Get Involved
"Family engagement has evolved from a limited focus on a parent's role as a supporter of their child's learning at home, which is important, to...the multiple ways that parents are engaged -- at home, at school, and in the community." - Dr. Karen Mapp, Director of the Education and Policy Management Program (Harvard Graduate School of Education)
In many ways, parenting is a series of partnerships -- between you and your child, and between you, your child, and your child's care and education providers. These relationships reach beyond the walls of a traditional classroom to include the communities in which we live.
Research has shown that parental involvement in a child's school and community increases the chances that children will have strong social skills, achieve academic success, graduate from high school, and continue on to college. While your child may be many years from filling out a college application, he or she is already on the path of discovery and learning, and the experiences children have today are already helping to determine who they become.
As a parent, taking an active role in determining the quality of those experiences is essential to ensuring a healthy future for your child, and there are many ways to become an active participant in your child's development.
Parent Advisory Councils
Family Centers are more than just a warm and welcoming place for local parents and care providers to spend time with children. These are community-supported and community-run cooperatives that rely on area residents and businesses to provide sustenance and leadership. Parents can join their local Family Center's Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to assist with program and event planning, fund raising, or volunteering time in centers during operating hours. To learn more about PACs and keeping family centers a vibrant feature of your community, visit our Family Center page for your local family center's information.
CFCE Community Councils
The Collaborative for Educational Services administers a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant serving Easthampton, Hatfield, South Hadley, Belchertown, Monson, Palmer, Ware, Warren, West Warren, and West Brookfield. This grant, which is supported by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, provides programs and services for families with young children, age birth through kindergarten.
Each CFCE program is overseen by a council of parents, public school staff, family child care providers, center staff, childcare resource and referral agencies, businesses, faith-based organizations, and other community groups. Serving as a member of a CFCE Community Council is another way for parents to ensure that quality care and resources are available to all children and families. The council builds collaborative relationships and partnerships that improve services for families with young children in the community by responding to their needs through information sharing, program planning, and development. The council objectives are to
1) Provide information to increase knowledge of and accessibility to high-quality early education and care programs and support families in transitions from home, early education and care programs, and school settings.
2) Promote family education, engagement, and literacy.
3) Support early education and care providers and eductors (public and private) in the delivery of high-quality services by providing information and referrals, and facilitating access to professional development, technical assistance, and comprehensive services.
The services provided by this grant are decided by the council, based on the unique needs of the community. Below are 2011-2012 meeting dates for some CFCE Councils.
South Hadley Network for Children
December 7, 1:00-3:00pm, South Hadley Family Center or Criterion Child Enrichment (TBD)
February 8, 6:00-8:00pm, Plains School
April 4, 1:00-3:00pm, South Hadley Family Center or Criterion Child Enrichment (TBD)
June 6, 6:00-8:00pm, Plains School
Eastern Communities -- Quaboag CFCE
November 9, 1:00-3:00pm, Palmer/Monson Family Network
January 11, 6:00-8:00pm Old Mill Pind School
March 7, 1:00-3:00pm, Palmer/Monson Family Network
May 9, 6:00-8:00pm, Old Mill Pond School
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All meetings take place at Our Lady's Child Care Center, 35 Pleasant Street, Easthampton
December 5, 6:00-7:30pm
January 9, 10:00-11:30am
February 6, 6:00-7:30pm
March 5, 10:00-11:30am
April 2, 6:00-7:30pm
May 7, 10:00-11:30am
June 4, 6:00-7:00pm