EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

• COMPUTER TRAINING: Beginner, intermediate and advance computer instruction is available in BCF’s computer lab. The main focus of computer training is to help prepare individuals for employment opportunities through skill development.

• WORKSHOPS: BCF offers free workshops tailored to fit the individual interests and needs of people in the community. These workshops are designed to provide the community with information that will help sustain employability, promote healthy & more productive lifestyles, and strengthen personal and family relationships. Workshops topics include: Developing a Positive Attitude, Time Management, Strategies for Success, Discovering What You Are Best At and How to Job Search on the Net. Workshops are held each Tuesday and Thursday 11:00am to 12:00pm.

• READING IS FUN: Elementary school aged children are exposed to reading and reading comprehension through oral reading of books. This encourages reading and take-home books for children, especially those who are not exposed to reading at home. Parents are encouraged to attend in order to help instill a love of reading and learning in their children. Children experience story times, puppet shows and book giveaways.

• G.E.D.: GED programs are available for any individual in need of instruction to aid in obtaining their high school equivalency diploma. The course covers five areas of study that are tested on the GED exam: English, social studies, science, reading and math.

• PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME^® is a 6 or 8 week reading, discussion, and storytelling program held at public libraries. A university scholar (who functions as a discussion leader) and storyteller conduct weekly book discussion and storytelling sessions based on award-winning children's books. It reinforces the role of the family as a major social and economic unit; it trains parents and children to bond together around the act of reading and learning together to improve skill and achievements; it teaches parents and children to read and discuss humanities topics (history, literature, and ethical issues, such as fairness, greed, honor, and deceit) as a way of fostering high academic expectations and achievements in low-literacy, low-income families; it encourages low-literacy, low-income parents to enter or continue their own educational programs, whether GED or other training, and enter the workforce; it helps parents and children learn how to select books and become active library users. Bethel Community Facility sponsors this program in collaboration with Flossmoor Community Church and St. Bethel Baptist Chuch.