Family Development Center Programs

Parenting may be the most rewarding experience in the world but at times it can also be challenging. ECHN’s Family Development Center helps give you the tools you need to overcome the child rearing challenges you face.

With diverse backgrounds in education, child development, social work, counseling, public health and human services, our entire staff is trained and certified in the nationally recognized Parents as Teachers program.

All programs through ECHN’s Family Development Center are voluntary and free of charge. Our dedicated staff will assist you in finding the appropriate program that best meets your needs.

Learn more: Family Development Center Flyer [PDF]

Apply to our Programs: Client Referral Form

Early Head Start

Early Head Start is a home visiting program that serves low-income children from birth to age three and pregnant women and their families residing in Manchester or Vernon.  A Parents as Teachers (PAT) certified Parent Educator provides parent education, child development information, developmental screenings, dental screenings, disability and behavioral health services, field trips, playgroups and learning activities and parent support groups.

For questions, email Mcaldwell1@echn.org

Early Head Start Program Application

Family Resource Centers (FRC)

The Manchester FRC is located at Waddell Elementary School, and the Vernon FRC is located at Maple Street School. Both Family Resource Centers provides education and support services including home visiting, parent-child play groups, positive youth development, parenting education, developmental screening, support for family child care providers, resources and referrals, as well as links to adult education, preschool and after-school care.

Healthy Families Healthy Babies

This Program serves children from birth to six years old, pregnant women and their partners.  Parent Educators offer home visitation, parent education, parent-child group experiences, playgroups and development screening referrals to community resources, and social emotional support.

For questions, email Nherman@echn.org

Fatherhood Initiative Program

Reaching out to all fathers, uncles, grandfathers, father figures and male role models to join our Fatherhood Initiative Program for parenting groups, mentoring and home visitation. We will connect, learn, motivate, and encourage each other in one-on-one or group interactions.

This program takes place the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. This program is free and a confidential platform for fathers. 

For questions or any interest in setting up a group or home visit, please call 860.266.0126 or email kntem-mensah@echn.org

Successful Teens Excelling as Parents and Partners (STEPP)

This program offers supportive services to teen parents and their partners in the Manchester school system to ensure they graduate from high school while developing successful parenting skills.