The FAST Program is an internationally acclaimed, evidence-based family engagement program that supports child well-being and learning readiness, empowers parents, and builds social capital so children can thrive. It is designed to:

• Strengthen family relationships and increase cohesion
• Engage parents more with the school and enable them to advocate for their children’s education
• Connect families to other families and community resources to reduce isolation and stress

The program is run at a school or community organization and meets for weekly 2.5-hour sessions, which can be offered in-person or virtually, over an eight-week (or 10-week) cycle. A site will typically run two cycles per school year.

During these sessions, families eat a meal and play games together, parents discuss and bond over shared experiences, kids and youth make friends with their peers, and parents engage in one-on-one special play/conversation time with their children free from distraction.

A trained FAST Team of local parents, youth (for middle and high school levels only – see below), educators, and mental health and other community professionals facilitates the program and provides coaching and support to the participating families.

The program is available at the Early Childhood Education (ECE), Elementary School, Middle School, and High School levels to provide the tools needed to support each developmental milestone. While the core values of FAST remain the same for all levels, some activities are adjusted to develop and strengthen age-specific protective factors to meet the FAST Child’s needs.

Up to 60% of the program is adaptable to also meet the needs and priorities of diverse communities, cultures, and local circumstances.

The Mental Health Commission of Lyons Township funds and coordinates the FAST Program in the following schools in the Township of Lyons:

• Fall 2024: Summit School District 104’s Otis P Graves Elementary School – Kindergarten
• Spring 2024: Summit School District 104’s Heritage Middle School – Seventh Grade
• Spring 2024: Willow Springs School Dist. 108 – Seventh Grade

If you are interested in starting a FAST Program in your school, contact our office at 708-352-2992.