Department of Family and Community Engagement
	Providence Schools is committed to increase parent engagement throughout the district.  It will do so by holding all administrators accountable for increasing and encouraging families to become active partners in their child’s education. The district is required to meet certain expectations as well as comply with city, state and federal mandates.
	Principals as leaders of their schools are most of the time a parent’s first point of contact. It is critical that principals understand that parents are very interested in their child’s education but because of individual circumstances it sometimes is unrealistic to be as involved as they would like. The district is committed to increasing parental involvement and the Office of Family and Community Engagement will continue to assist principals with resources to:
	– Guide their parent engagement strategies and activities
	– Guide parents who are interested in helping with parent engagement at their child’s school
	– Provide tips for helping to increase student achievement and supporting children at home
	District Commitment to Parent Engagement
	Providence Schools understands the importance of parent engagement and is responsible for complying with city, state and federal education mandates such as the No Child Left Behind Act, Title 1, as well as applying the “Keys to Successful Partnerships: Six Types of Involvement” developed by Dr. Joyce Epstein, John Hopkins University.  All these concepts support and guide the work of the Family and Community Engagement Office.
	The district established a Family and Community Engagement Center (known as the Parent Center) five years ago.  Today the Parent Center helps the district increase parent engagement by assisting schools, administrators and the community in general with parent concerns, district and curriculum information and resources to families.  The Parent Center also has a conference room available for group meetings/workshops/trainings.  Parents, principals, teachers, administrators and the community are welcome to reserve the space as needed.
	View more information about:
	– Family Resource Center
	– Parent Zones
	– Resolving Parental Concerns & Complaints
	– Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)
	– Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
	– Links to Information & Support Resources
	– Contact the Department of Family & Community Engagement