Creating a Parent-Educator Resource Center

This is an article I had published recently in the Radford News Journal in Radford, Virginia. It describes an amazing program developed by Radford Schools to assist parents and educators looking for additional ideas in working with children or classroom issues. It is completely confidential, supplementary to RTI or Child Study Team activities, and is an incredible resource for the parents, staff, and students in the district. ~Steve Frey, Frey Educational Associates

The Radford Parent Educator Resource Center Is There to Help

           By Contributing Writer, Steve Frey

           Sometimes parents feel very alone when trying to handle issues that arise every day with their children. At the same time, educators could sometimes use advice from a colleague in dealing with a difficult classroom situation. A new support program, the Radford City School’s Parent Educator Resource Center, is there to help.

           The center opened for this school year with a grant from the Virginia Department of Education. It is designed to serve as a liaison between home and school and provide resources for all Radford families, teachers, and agencies within the community.

           The goal of developing a cooperative partnership is described in the center’s mission statement, “The PERC exists to promote student success by helping parents and educators come together as a team. We know there are times families may need someone to listen to their concerns, or assist them in exploring ways to best help their child. Our staff is available to offer guidance about the special education process, family involvement activities, and links to community resources and information.”

           The center also focuses on assisting educators within the Radford schools. Staff members have attended Open House and Back to School nights and hope to present information to Radford educators at staff meetings. They are available as an additional resource for teachers who are seeking information or dialogue on issues they may be facing in the classroom.    

           The Parent Educator Resource Center staff includes B’easy Thompson, who has been a school psychologist in the district for many years, as well as Angela McCauley and Nicole Burgard, who have many years’ experience as special education teachers.

           The center houses a large lending library of DVDs, journals, pamphlets, and books including materials related to subjects such as child development, behavior modification, parenting, and learning difficulties. Educational technology is also available.

           The center is housed in a large, white building with two spacious rooms next to McHarg Elementary School. One is filled with resources and meeting spaces for parents and educators. The second room provides a space for children to play and explore with staff and Radford University education students while parents meet with staff. 

 “The Radford students will get childhood education course hours. It’s a win-win situation,” said McCauley.

There are even snacks available!

The staff’s background in special education is especially helpful for parents or teachers with students experiencing emotional issues, learning needs, attention difficulties, or the need for accommodations to make learning possible.

           They are hoping that their own experiences can help parents navigate the special education process. When a parent or family is having a child evaluated for special needs, they can have any questions answered by the staff. The center will also provide the parents with a handbook filled with resources.

           The center provides many other services. They have a site on Facebook and provide information on the district’s website at www.rcps.org. Click through academics and student services to reach the center’s link.

           “We do daily parenting tips on Facebook,” said Burgard. She went on to explain, “We are reaching out to them (parents), rather than them reaching out to us.”

           They are planning workshops throughout the school year. In addition to individual family consultation, they hope to have opportunities for parents to talk together with other parents about resources they use. 

           The Parent Educator Resource Center hours are Mondays from 4-6 PM; Tuesdays from 10 AM-2 PM; Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00 PM; and Thursdays from Noon-2 PM. The email address for the center is [email protected]. The phone number is 731-3679.

           In Radford, when parents or teachers are looking for support and resources, the Parent Educator Resource Center is now there for them.