Family Focus Launches Space For Sensory Learning


Family Focus Launches Space For Sensory Learning

By Tia Carol Jones

Family Focus recently launched a sensory learning environment with the goal of supporting children up to age 5 as they navigate emotional, developmental and sensory challenges.

Family Focus’ history begins with the Chicago Orphan Asylum in 1849. It was founded during the Cholera epidemic and the need to support children who lost their parents due to the disease. Years later, the name changed to the Chicago Child Care Society and in 2020, the Chicago Child Care Society merged with Family Focus.

 Family Focus has been around for 50 years with a goal of creating a space for parents to learn how to become better parents. The mission of Family Focus is to support parents and children by creating a community for the entire family.

Erin Walton, SVP External Relations for Family Focus, said that the Chicago Child Care Society and Family Focus’ history show alignment in their missions to strengthen families and support children. She said that Family Focus serves nearly 300 children in their preschools.

Building Blocks was launched because of a legacy gift from board member Judith Block, who was an early childhood advocate. Building Blocks has a space in two of Family Focus’ centers, one in Hyde Park and the other space is in South Shore. Walton said the Building Blocks space is a controlled environment that is meant to support children individually and collectively to ensure there is emotional regulation and that they have the tools they need to learn and grow.

“It’s a calming space where we really focus on the sensory input that children may need, who are overstimulated or some children who are under stimulated and need some stimulation to improve their ability to focus in the classroom,” she said. She added that it is a space outside the classroom setting where children can get one-on-one support, with a teacher or a therapist, or in a small group setting, focusing on getting children regulated so they can get back into the classroom.

Walton said that with every program Family Focus has, they really are focused on the family. They believe that in order for children to be prepared for kindergarten, they have to ensure the whole family has the resources they need to create a whole, happy and safe environment. Family Focus provides its families with an assessment to see where the child is cognitively. The goal is to understand the needs of the children and follow the guidelines of early headstart and headstart with a full curriculum for the children in their preschools.

“We surround them with teachers and staff that are highly educated and prepared and passionate to make sure every child in our program is prepared for kindergarten, and not just kindergarten, but for lifelong learning,” Walton said.

Family Focus engages its parents through a parent advisory group, that encourages the parent to provide feedback and input. Walton said they are engaged around the policies and procedures of the organization. They are informed about the curriculum, and they can identify opportunities for extracurricular activities.

Walton said that because the parents are engaged and involved, Family Focus has a wonderful relationship with the parents. She said Family Focus considers itself the parents’ support to provide the resources they need to thrive. Walton said that parents are excited about the Building Blocks space that can provide the diverse learners in the program with the support they need.

For more information about Family Focus, visit www.family-focus.org.

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