Parent/Family Centers

1. Parent/Family Centers Establishing a Family Friendly Parent Center Harold J. Ballard Parent Center Parent Outreach and Engagement Department San Diego Unified School District

2. What the Research Shows Significant Studies show that when parents actively participate in their children’s education, there is a positive impact on student achievement.

3. What is a Parent Center? • A place in or near a school for parents • A place that parents can call their own • A place that provides parents with support and information • A place that encourages parent involvement in their student’s learning • A place where families learn the important role they have as a member of the school’s educational team.

4. Parent Center Goals • To make parents feel welcome at their children’s school • Promotes two way communication • Provides strategies to assist learning at home • Supports parents as decision makers • To develop active parents leaders

5. Advantages of a Parent Center It communicates that… • parents are welcome at your school • parents are a vital part of the educational team • parents can be a link to community resources • that understanding and having an appreciation for diversity is important

6. Who Establishes a Parent Center? A school site group such as: • Site Management Team • School Site Council • English Learner Advisory Council • PTA / PTO • Other parent group

7. Establish an Advisory Committee What does the advisory committee do? • Encourage parent and community participation • Decide purpose and goals for the center • Identify space/location of center • Identify staff and funding • Plan workshops, events and activities

8. Funding Sources • State and Federal Funds • Grants • Partnerships • Donations and In-Kind

9. Location of Parent Center • Corner of library • An unused classroom, office or storage area • A portable classroom • Space in a building close to school campus

10. How Should A Parent Center Be Equipped? • Determined by the size of the space • Depends on the purpose of the activities • Depends on resources that are available

11. How Should A Parent Center Be Equipped? Some examples: • Bookcases • Magazines • Chairs • Sofa • Coffee Maker / Microwave • Office Supplies • Computer/Printer • Telephone • A Children and Student Area

12. Maintaining an Effective Parent Center Some Key Points: • Families, staff and the community must benefit from the center • Participants must take ownership • Must be a welcoming environment • Must provide the services and resources parents want/need

13. Resources the Center Should Have • Books (for parents and children) • Magazines • Videos/DVD’s • Free Publications • School and District Information • Community Resources

14. Services the Center Should Offer • Referral Services • Workshops / Training • Computer Access • Meeting Space

15. Breaking Down Barriers and Dealing with Problems Some Suggestions: • Plan big but start small • Don’t be afraid to ask for help • Share small successes • Target specific activities and programs

16. Have Fun and Celebrate!

17. Contact Information Harold J. Ballard Parent Center 2375 Congress Street San Diego, CA 92110 Elneda Shannon Manager Harold J. Ballard Parent Center 619-293-4431 eshannon@sandi.net Bea Fernández Program Manager Parent Outreach and Engagement Department 619-293-4410 bfernandez@sandi.net

18. Helpful Websites • California Department of Education www.cde.ca.gov • U.S. Department of Education www.ed.gov • Family Involvement Network of Educators (FINE) www.gseweb.harvard.edu/hrp/projects/fine.html