Seattle Public Schools partners with North Seattle College to offer Family Connectors University, a 10-week online course designed to empower parents and caregivers with strategies to support student learning and growth.
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is offering a unique opportunity for parents and caregivers to enhance their ability to support their child’s education. Family Connectors University, a 10-week online course, provides families with effective strategies and resources to navigate the education system and foster their child’s academic growth. This collaboration between SPS and North Seattle College has been running successfully for over a decade, empowering countless families to become active participants in their child’s education.
Empowering Parents to Support Student Learning
Family Connectors University aims to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to support their child’s education effectively. The course is facilitated by Lea Evans, a Parent Education Instructor at North Seattle College, and Asosa Sailiai, SPS Family Partnerships Coordinator. By offering this course online, SPS ensures accessibility for all families, regardless of their location or schedule constraints.
Key Information and Benefits of Enrollment
The winter session of Family Connectors University is set to begin on Tuesday, January 9, and will run for 10 weeks. The course will be held once a week on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. The format of the course is online, utilizing Zoom for virtual meetings. The cost of enrollment is $37, but SPS offers need-based scholarships to alleviate the financial burden for qualifying participants. Additionally, families who complete the course can earn two college credits through the partnership with North Seattle College.
Real-Life Testimonials: Morgan and Jasmine
Morgan, an SPS graduate, enrolled in Family Connectors University to seek support and guidance for her child’s transition into first grade. She found the class to be tailored to the participants’ needs, offering valuable insights on how to navigate the vast array of resources available to students. The course also provided a supportive community where Morgan connected with other parents, reinforcing the notion that she was not alone in her journey. Since completing the series, Morgan’s engagement with her school community has flourished, and she now volunteers regularly and actively participates in the PTSA.
Jasmine, another participant, joined Family Connectors University to gain a deeper understanding of the SPS system after transferring her child from a small private school. She appreciated the opportunity to learn directly from staff members about critical topics such as special education and decision-making processes. The flexible class schedule allowed Jasmine to attend sessions asynchronously, accommodating her busy schedule and maximizing her learning experience.
Tailored Topics for Each Cohort
Family Connectors University offers a unique learning experience for each cohort, as participants have the opportunity to shape the topics covered during the 10-week course. Previous topics have included navigating the school system, advocating for your child, keeping kids motivated in school, and discussing disabilities and racism with children. This tailored approach ensures that families receive the information and skills most relevant to their specific needs and concerns.
Conclusion: Family Connectors University is a valuable resource for parents and caregivers seeking to actively support their child’s education. By providing a comprehensive and flexible online course, Seattle Public Schools and North Seattle College empower families with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the education system effectively. The testimonials from participants highlight the transformative impact of this program, fostering a sense of community and equipping parents with the skills to advocate for their children. As the program continues to evolve and address the ever-changing needs of families, it remains a beacon of support and empowerment for parents and caregivers in Seattle.
