Research has shown that starting early and engaging parents in their child’s education is positively associated with a child’s academic, social and emotional well-being. That is why Family Connections has evolved into a family learning community in which underserved children and parents attend programs together, learn together and grow together, from birth into Kindergarten and beyond. Our programs and services are free so that all underserved families in our community, regardless of their circumstances, can participate. Our parent participation preschools provide enriching early learning experiences for birth-to-five year olds, resulting in children who arrive at kindergarten academically and socially ready to learn. After preschool, our Young Scholars program sustains positive family dynamics and learning opportunities for kindergarten and beyond so that participating students and their families have the tools and resources to become the drivers of their own success and leaders in their extended communities. Throughout the years, our parent leadership education and holistic family support systems help parents confidently and successfully embrace their role as their child’s first teacher, most influential role model and best advocate. Located in San Mateo County, Family Connections has been supporting Peninsula families since 1993. We currently operate in East Menlo Park and Redwood City, serving approximately 600 individuals per year.