Rockcastle County Schools is partnering with the
National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) to form a Family Learning Community™ that will
address low kindergarten readiness scores and support parents in need to basic adult education
programming. The FLC will work alongside other organizations in the community, including
Partners for Rural Impact, Rockcastle Regional Hospital, and County Judge Executive Howell
Holbrook, Jr., to focus on expanding early childhood education opportunities while increasing
emphasis on college and career readiness programming for parents.
Rockcastle County Schools’ FLC brings together families, community partners, local
organizations, policymakers, and educators to create meaningful learning opportunities that
support students and families from birth through adulthood.
With a focus on family literacy programming that includes Adult Education opportunities, this
work strengthens the entire family unit by supporting parents and caregivers alongside their
children. Families are empowered with the skills, confidence, and tools needed to support
learning at home and pursue personal, educational, and career goals. Families with children
ages 0–5 will have opportunities for Parent and Child Together® (PACT) time to learn how to
support developmental milestones and kindergarten readiness. Parenting adults will also access
Adult and Parent Education strategies that strengthen the family.
The FLC co-design team — made up of district leaders, local stakeholders, and community
partners — works collaboratively to identify needs and develop solutions. In the coming
months, the team will implement family literacy programming as a foundation to strengthen
early childhood outcomes and adult education offerings, with the potential to expand services
as additional needs are identified. This work also builds capacity for authentic family
engagement, strengthens community partnerships, and aligns services to maximize impact for
students and families.
As a designated Family Learning Community, Rockcastle County Schools is part of a national
network led by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL). This network connects the
district with communities across the country to share promising practices, advance Adult
Education and Family Literacy strategies, and engage in continuous learning with experts in the
field.
Community partners interested in participating in this work can contact Dr. Carrie Ballinger at
carrie.ballinger@rockcastle.kyschools.us. To learn more about NCFL Family Learning
Communities, visit https://familieslearning.org/what-we-do/flc/.