Family Services and Involvement Section (FSIS)
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Parent Liaison Program
Current research on family-school relationships draws a strong correlation between family involvement and increased student achievement. Parent liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. They facilitate family-school communication and empower families to become more active partners in children's education. Support is given to families who:
- Need help in determining how best to assist their children.
- Are infrequent participants in school activities, including conferences and school events.
- May need clarification of their role in the education process.
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Who Are Parent Liaisons?
Parent liaisons are men and women who represent a variety of cultures, languages, and races. They are one component in a school's effort to enhance family involvement. They work in the schools and community to help families get the information and assistance they need to support their children at home and to ensure their academic success. Parent liaisons, a communication link between home and school, currently serve in more than 150 Fairfax County public schools. Principals hire parent liaisons based on the demographics of their schools. Parent liaisons are part-time employees; their hours vary depending on the needs of the school and the number of schools they represent.
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Programs and Services
Parent liaisons are a valuable resource. They provide services such as welcoming and orienting families to the school and the community and familiarizing families with the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices. Typical tasks of parent liaisons include:
- Facilitating intercultural understanding and respect in the school and the community.
- Linking families to school professionals and community resources.
- Involving families who do not traditionally take part in school activities and events.
- Helping parents understand ways in which the family can assist student achievement.
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Training for Parent Liaisons
Regularly scheduled training is planned by FSIS in conjunction with other FCPS offices. Individual orientation sessions for new liaisons and their supervising administrators are conducted by FSIS at a school site, or group orientation sessions are conducted as needed. Recent training topics have included the following:
- Ways in which families can assist student achievement
- Successful strategies to involve parents
- Parent perspective on the Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests
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Questions and Information
To receive more information about the Parent Liaison Program, contact Robin Hamby (robin.hamby@fcps.edu) at 703-277-2640.
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