We know that when families and public schools work together, schools do better and students succeed academically. Parents and family members can be strong education allies not only by supporting and enriching the education of their children but also by contributing resources and social capital to the schools their children attend.
To become partners in education, parents need to develop skills and gain knowledge about how the public school system works and the many ways in which they can contribute and advocate for quality education for all children.
Parents count in public education! Parent preparation is the key to productive and long-lasting school-family partnerships.
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CURRENT TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS
Select a graphic for more information
What every parent needs to know
WORKSHOPS
Who We Are
ParentPrep is your source of information on parent preparation programs focused on school partnerships for student success. It was developed by the Washington State Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO).
Our Vision
We envision parents and educators working together in respectful and trusting relationships focused on student achievement.
Our Mission
To build the capacity of parents and family members to become active participants in their childrens education, partner with public schools and meet the challenges of a changing public education system.
The Office of the Education Ombudsman
OEO is a state-wide agency that brings parents and educators together to resolve problems, disagreements, and disputes that affect student learning. We advocate for fair processes for students in public schools and are committed to promoting school-family partnerships. OEO is the only agency of its kind in the nation.
Parent Institute
"Family involvement is not one more program implemented in schools. It is a way of thinking, acting and doing daily business that recognizes the central role that families play in their children's education and the power of working together."
The Office of the Education Ombudsman
Join the Washington family involvement network! Facebook Mail Twitter WORKSHOPS-TRAININGS Current Workshops and Trainings (select one):
FOR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PROFESSIONALS
A three day train the trainers program for school and family professionals that work with parents and families whose children attend a K-12 public school
FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
A one day parent preparation program designed to help parents understand the public education system and partner with schools
Parent Institute
What every parent needs to know
WORKSHOPS
Workshops that teach the basics of K-12 education in Washington
Finding your Voice FINDING YOUR VOICE (FYV) is a 3-day training-of-trainers program for individuals working with families whose children attend public schools. During the first 2 days, participants will learn about family involvement in education, how to teach the Finding Your Voice workshop to families and acquire cultural competence and presentation skills. The third day will be devoted to a Finding Your Voice Parent Institute where trainers will practice their skills by teaching institute attendees. Participants will commit to teach the FYV workshops in the communities they serve.
This program is designed for community or school professionals who work directly with families whose kids attend public schools. Technical support will be ongoing and provided by the Office of the Education Ombudsman.
Individuals who are interested shall submit an application form online for the location of their choice. All applications will be reviewed and all applicants will receive a response. Due to space limitations, applicants can only apply for one location. Applications that are approved will be registered for the program. At the end of the three days, participants will be issued a certificate of completion from the WA State Office of the Education Ombudsman.
The Finding your Voice train-the-trainer program will be offered in the Vancouver, WA, Bellingham and Seattle/Tacoma areas in the Spring of 2012 and is planning to be in Eastern Washington in 2013.
Dates and Locations
Vancouver, WA
March 1, March 2, March 3
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
All days 9AM - 4PM
Bates Center for Educational Leadership
2921 Falk Road
Vancouver, WA 98661
Seattle/Tacoma, WA
March 15, March 16, March 17
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
All days 9AM - 4PM
New Holly Gathering Center
7054 32nd Ave S
Seattle, WA 98118
Bellingham, WA
March 29, March 30, March 31
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
All days 9AM - 4PM
St. Lukes Health Education Center
3333 Squalcum Pkwy
Bellingham, WA 98225
Click here to apply
to the program in
SEATTLE/TACOMA
Click here to apply
to the program in
BELLINGHAM
VANCOUVER training
is FULL
WEPNTK What every parent needs to know
WORKSHOPS
WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW is a series of workshops designed to help parents and family members learn how to best support their childrens education, how to become and education advocate and how to partner with schools for student achievement.
These interactive classes are specially designed to provide participants with practical tools and strategies to learn about the public school system.
These workshops are taught by Education Ombudsmen who have many years of experience as teachers, counselors, administrators, and attorneys in Washington public schools. They work daily with parents, educators and school administrators across the state to resolve conflict and problems affecting students.
For more information about these workshops, click the "What every parent needs to know" logo above.
FYV PI Dates and Locations
Vancouver, WA
Saturday, March 3
9:00AM - 2:30PM
Bates Center for Educational Leadership
2921 Falk Road
Vancouver, WA 98661
CLICK HERE to register
for VANCOUVER
Parent Institute
The Finding Your Voice Parent Institute is a one-day parent preparation program that teaches parents and family members to better understand the public school system and partner with public schools focusing on student achievement.
The institute offers interactive classes that provide critical information and skills that parents of students in public schools should have in order to support their students and their schools. Topics include:
How do school districts work?
Become an education advocate
Participate in your childs education
Prepare your student for college
Home-school communication skills
Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Saturday, March 17
9:00AM - 2:30PM
New Holly Gathering Center
7054 32nd Ave S
Seattle, WA 98118
CLICK HERE to register
for SEATTLE/TACOMA
Bellingham, WA
Saturday, March 31
9:00AM - 2:30PM
St. Lukes Health Education Center
3333 Squalcum Pkwy
Bellingham, WA 98225
CLICK HERE to register
for BELLINGHAM
