Family and Child Education Program
The Family and Child Education Program, launched in 1990, serves 54 Bureau of Indian Education schools as a family literacy initiative. Since its inception, the program has empowered Indigenous children and families through comprehensive educational opportunities. Rooted in Native values, FACE ensures its initiatives align with each community's priorities and traditions.
Managed by the BIE’s Early Childhood Education Office under the Office of Sovereignty in Indian Education, FACE combines early childhood education with parental involvement, supporting Indigenous families in BIE-funded schools.
The FACE program delivers culturally relevant educational services that strengthen connections among families, schools, and communities. Its comprehensive component model offers:
- Family Enrichment Services: Home-based support for children from prenatal to age 3.
- Prekindergarten Services: Center-based learning for children aged 4 to 5.
- Adult Education Services: Programs focused on education and career readiness.
The accompanying chart highlights the number of families served, children enrolled in early childhood education, and adults participating in learning opportunities.
Program Focus Areas
The overall goals of the FACE Program are structured around six key focus areas derived from the broader BIE FACE objectives. These focus areas serve as a framework to guide the program's implementation and ensure its success:
- Culture & Language
- Engagement
- Curriculum and Assessment
- Transition Plans/Transitioning
- Readiness Strategies
- Data Collection
FACE is dedicated to supporting Indigenous families through education and empowerment by:
- Promoting lifelong learning and school readiness.
- Supporting families as their child’s first and most influential teacher.
- Increasing family participation in education and setting high academic expectations.
- Strengthening relationships between families, schools, and communities.
- Celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity.
Technical assistance is delivered through various methods, including on-site visits, virtual consultations, targeted training sessions, and professional development opportunities. This support is customized based on comprehensive site evaluations and the specific needs identified, ensuring that each location receives the tools, guidance, and resources necessary for successful program implementation and ongoing improvement.
FACE Contact
BIE Early Childhood Education / FACE Office
Sovereignty in Indian Education Office
Early Childhood Programs, Family and Child Education (FACE)
1849 C. Street NW, MIB-3610
Washington, DC 20240
Email: BIE_ECE_FACE@bie.edu
