PARTNERS IN LEARNING:What Will Your CenterLook Like?Because there are endless combinations of people, programs, services, and settings that can define a family center, no two will ever be alike. The choices you make for your center will be shaped by both vision and reality -- and will create a center that is uniquely your own. Location: Probably the most effective spot for a parent center is near the heart of the school-the office. Lacking this option, schools have carved space from libraries, cafeterias, gymnasiums and even former storage closets. Schools have converted school buses into mobile centers and utilized space in nearby agencies or neighborhood centers. Wherever the location, it must be perceived as accessible and safe. Hours: Operating hours should be planned with parents in mind-their schedules may not match the school's. Parents may need early morning, evening or weekend hours. Centers can be open from a few hours weekly to every day. Hours can also change depending on the time of year. Staff: Staff can be parents, parents of former students, school personnel or community members. Staff can be paid, volunteer, or both. As much as possible, the staff should reflect the school's ethnic and cultural make-up. Funding: Be creative. Explore new ways to use available funds; look at a broad range of federal, state and local sources for additional dollars. Services: The key to having services that will be used
is to include as many perspectives as possible in the planning.
Build on the strengths and interests of your school community.
The following list presents a broad range of possibilities.
Written by The Family Connection of St. Joseph County, Inc. for Partners in Learning [Vol 2:3, 1999] a newsletter of the Indiana Center for Family, School & Community Partnerships. Back to
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