PARENT ACTION GUIDE HOUSTON AREA

TEXAS PUBLISHED 2018 Empowering Families to Succeed in SCHOOL Public Education GUIDE TEXASSCHOOLGUIDE.ORG

To provide feedback on this project, please visit TexasSchoolGuide.org or contact CHILDREN AT RISK directly at one of our offices below.

CHILDREN AT RISK

HOUSTON 2900 Weslayan Suite 400 Houston, TX 77027 713-869-7740

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FORT WORTH 3000 E. Belknap St. Fort Worth, TX 76111 817-944-4242

CHILDREN AT RISK serves as a catalyst for change to improve the quality of life for chil- dren through strategic research, public policy analysis, education, collaboration and advocacy. To learn more about CHILDREN AT RISK and our work, visit childrenatrisk.org

PARENT ACTION GUIDE HOUSTON AREA

A 2018 Texas School Guide Publication

This publication and TexasSchoolGuide.org are produced by the Center for Parenting and Family Well-Being at CHILDREN AT RISK with generous support from the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation.

Research and Production Team: Robert Sanborn, Ed.D. Mandi Kimball, MSW Jenny Eyer, MPH Edith Rahimian, M.A. NPM Julie Morris, MPA Kellie O’Quinn, MSW Gretchen Himsl, M.P.Aff.

Editorial Assitance Provided by: Dr. Katie McConnell, Lissa Cordova-Leon, and Yael Ross.

Translation by: Graphic Design by: Jessica Posselt Julie Morris, MPA

With special thanks to interns Jasmine Amos, Olivia Berkeley, Jazmin Camacho, Abigail Emery, Jessica Hernandez, Maryam Nabhani, and Sarah Nazar. 2 PARENT ACTION GUIDE DISCLAIMER methodology. TexasSchoolGuide.org to obtain most the current and accurate information. Visit members, educators, and others all contact schools their directly to change at any and time it is important that parents, community with individual schools. The informationthis in guide is subject from Texas the Education Agency, websites, district or contact level information that appears gathered guide inthis has been not endorsed by any Texasschool The Districts. and School district policy. This publication developed independently,been has and is for children through research, education, and influencing public CHILDREN AT RISK is anonprofit organizationthat drives change for amore description detailed of our TABLE OF CONTENTS

PARENTS AS PARTNERS ...... 4 What Does Parent Engagement Look Like? ...... 4 Making The Most Of “Out Of School” Time ...... 5 Parents As Advocates: How To Be A Voice For Your Child ...... 6

UNDERSTANDING SCHOOLS ...... 9 Types Of Schools ...... 9 Understanding School Quality ...... 10 Applications & Transfers ...... 13 PARENT ACTION GUIDE When Changing Schools Isn’t An Option ...... 14

CRADLE TO CAREER ...... 15 The Importance Of Early Learning ...... 15 Setting A College & Career Ready Mindset ...... 18 Higher Education Opportunities ...... 20 Understanding Finacial Aid Resources ...... 22 SPECIAL POPULATIONS ...... 23 Children With Special Needs ...... 23 Children Who Are English Language Learners ...... 24 Children From Immigrant Communitites ...... 25 Children Who Are Gifted And Talented ...... 27 Children Who Identify As LGBITQ ...... 27 Children Experiencing Homlessness ...... 28 Children In Foster Care Or Kinship Care ...... 28

HOUSTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS ...... 29 HOUSTON AREA ORGANIZATIONS & RESOURCES ...... 36

3 PARENTS AS PARTNERS

Parents are a child’s first teacher. They have a powerful influence on their child’s success and attitude towards school. Parent engagement helps parents to become partners in their child’s education.

What Does Parent Engagement Look Like? Every family is different, and there are many ways parents can get involved and support their child’s education, even with limited time and money. More than just volunteering at school or joining the PTA, parent engagement includes all the support parents provide at home and in the classroom. Making sure your child is prepared to go to school every day, attending parent meetings and school events, and even communicating the value of education to your child, is considered parent engagement. When parents are involved, they are more informed, make better decisions and are a stronger voice for their children.

Some ways parents can get involved include: • Make sure children attend school each day and on time • Read together at home • Set aside a time and place for homework • Enforce a bedtime, so children are rested and ready to learn • Ensure children eat breakfast and lunch (all schools offer free meal programs) • Attend school events or programs • Regularly ask about classes and talk with teachers • Enroll students in after-school programs or activities • Join parent groups or advocacy networks • Check school websites, calendars, and newsletters • Monitor grades and school performance on standardized tests

WHY SHOULD PARENTS ENGAGE?

When parents take the time to be involved in their child’s education, it shows their student they care and that education is a family value. Getting involved also gives parents the opportunity to make sure their child is receiving the quality education he or she deserves. PARENTS AS PARTNERS PARENTS

STUDENTS WITH INVOLVED PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE MORE LIKELY TO:

A+

Attend school Have a positive Earn good Have good Have stronger regularly attitude towards grades behavior relationships school

Parent engagement doesn’t just increase the likelihood of student success but can lead to stronger relationships at school. Relationships matter. Whether between parents and teachers, teachers and students, or students and parents, positive relationships open lines of communication.

4 Students who know they have caring adults in their lives looking out for them and encouraging them are more likely to thrive in school.

Parents can better monitor their child’s progress and support learning at home when they keep in touch with teachers and school personnel.

Teachers can provide a more personalized learning experience when they know more about their students’ home lives, challenges, and interests.

An excellent way for parents to get to know their child’s teachers is through parent- teacher evenings or events. Most schools host “open house” events at the beginning of the school year or new semester. Monitor school calendars, newsletters, and social media for opportunities and dates. Parents that can’t attend meet-and-greet events are welcome to set up individual conferences with teachers. Most teachers can be available before or after school hours when they have an early warning. If time or transportation is an issue, schedule a “get to know you” phone call or send an email introduction. Just making contact early, or before problems arise, can have a massive impact on how teachers view PARENTS AS PARTNERS student potential and partner with parents to best support their child’s education.

Making The Most Of “Out Of School” Time Learning doesn’t stop when students leave the classroom; how children spend their time outside of school is equally important. Quality after-school programs and activities can help improve a student’s academic performance. After school or summer programs are great chances for students to explore their interests, receive tutoring, and meet new friends.

There are many free or low-cost programs available to students of all ages and interests. Programs with expensive fees may offer scholarships to help cover costs or may adjust their rates based on household income. While some programs are open to all who are interested, keep in mind some popular programs may have wait-lists or enrollment requirements.

TYPES OF PROGRAMS

School Programs: Many schools offer tutoring, club activities, sports, and other programs after school and during summer. Parents can contact their child’s teacher or school to find out which programs are offered, when they are available, and how to register.

Community Programs: There are a variety of community and faith-based organizations that offer after-school programs, summer activities, and even overnight camps. Some examples of community organizations that offer high-quality programs include The Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Summer Programs: During the summer months, students can lose knowledge they gained during the school year. Help growing minds stay active by participating in summer programs and activities. In addition to programs offered by schools and community organizations, some local colleges and universities offer programs for advanced students or those with special interests. 5 Volunteering: Volunteering is a great way for students to gain hands- on experience and foster a sense of community. Not only do volunteer experiences help students develop important career skills, they also look great on college applications.

Online Programs: For those with internet access, here are a few of the most popular free learning websites. • Khanacademy.org – activities, videos, and subjects for all grade levels • Brainpop.com – videos and lessons with fun games and quizzes for all ages • E-learningforkids.org - high-quality online lessons for children ages 5-12

Family time can be learning time, and learning doesn’t have to be formal. There are many ways parents can encourage learning at home. Read with children (even if just for 20 minutes a day), go for walks, play catch, and cook together. By asking questions, having conversations, and spending time together parents help children learn.

Parents As Advocates: How To Be A Voice For Your Child As parents get involved, they become aware of the school, district, and state policies that affect their child. School policies can affect a student’s learning and overall well-being. Parents are partners in their child’s education and should be included in the policy process. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen, and parents may need to fight for changes in the law to ensure their child receives a quality education. Being an advocate is not always easy, but parents who push for change can positively impact their child’s education and that of many others.

TIPS FOR PARENT ADVOCATES:

1. Be Aware And Know Your Rights Parents have a right to know what is going on in their child’s classroom and school. School administrators and teachers are expected to provide parents with information on how their child is doing, school policies/safety procedures, and information on available programs and resources. Parents PARENTS AS PARTNERS PARENTS have the right to request their child’s records on file, progress reports, and any curriculum used in the classroom. Teachers and administrators are often very busy; it may be difficult to get a hold of them, or they may be slow to respond to requests. Parents will have more success connecting with teachers and staff when they are respectful but also persistent. When possible, plan meetings and records requests in advance and early in the school year or semester.

For parents that prefer to speak in a language other than English, schools are required to provide translation support and written materials in your preferred language. Again, request meetings well in advance to ensure a translator can be present.

2. Follow The “Chain Of Command” When children face challenges in school, it can sometimes be confusing for parents to know who they need to talk to or who has the authority to make changes. A general rule of thumb is to follow the “chain of command.” Traditionally, the best place for parents to start if their child is having issues is with the classroom teacher, followed by school 6 administration, school district staff or board members, the state department of education, and state legislatures.

Following the chain has two advantages. Parents not happy with a teacher’s response can push the issue further up the chain to a school administrator. School administrators may take issues seriously if they know the parent has already discussed the issue with the teacher. On the other side, teachers may not have the power to make changes and may also want an issue addressed. Parents and teachers will have greater success if they work together. In either case, persistence is key!

EDUCATION POLICY “Chain of Command”

TEACHERS Teachers can address classroom specific policies and issues such as TEXAS LEGISLATURE

late assignments, extra credit, and PARENTS AS PARTNERS State legislators are responsible for passing rules for classroom behavior. the laws that govern public education. Parents can influence legislators by voting, contacting their representatives, participat- ing in rallies or demonstrations, and even running for public office.

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY (TEA) Principals, Assistant Principals, etc., Based in Austin, TEA is responsible for handle school-wide issues, including managing our public education system. A academic performance, hiring/firing of Commissioner of Education leads TEA and teachers and staff, resources, programs, is appointed by the Governor. TEA guides safety, and discipline. all K-12 schools and programs. They also manage all standardized tests, including STAAR exams.

SCHOOL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP School districts are led by a Superintendent, hired by a Board of Trustees that make up the School Board. District Superintendents and their staff handle day-to-day district operations. VOTE

SCHOOL BOARD Board members are elected by their communities and are responsible for setting district-wide policies, budgets, and some programs. Board meetings are open to the public, and anyone may register to speak.

7 3. Use Your Network Consider joining a parent advocacy group or coalition. By working together, parent groups can often bring changes to schools or districts that individual families could not. Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), for example, can be great networks for making changes at a school-wide level. These organizations promote closer relationships between parents and teachers, discuss school needs, fundraise, and influence school administrators. To find your school's PTA or for resources on how to start a PTA visitwww.txpta.org .

At the district level, School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs) must include district parents. SHACs advise districts on health education issues and have special access to the school board. Texas law requires a SHAC for every school district, and the majority of members must be parents who are not employed by the district. To learn more about your district's SHAC and how to get involved visit your school district's website and type "SHAC" in the search bar.

Can’t find a parent group or network already working to address a specific issue? Start your own! There is strength in numbers, and it only takes a handful of family, friends, and neighbors to start a movement.

4. Data Is Your Friend Parents see firsthand the impact policies have on children, and their stories are powerful. But for policies that impact a large number of individuals, policymakers may not be persuaded by parent voices alone. Scientific research, facts, and data can help convince policymakers. Organizations like CHILDREN AT RISK are happy to share research and explain recent data trends with parent advocacy groups. TexasSchoolGuide.org, for example, is an excellent tool for parents looking for data demonstrating school quality. Before connecting with policymakers, parents should do their own research and try to come with solutions in mind. Look to see if other cities or states have come up with innovative ideas to address that particular issue. PARENTS AS PARTNERS PARENTS

8 UNDERSTANDING SCHOOLS 9 is a public school option that offers offers that school option a public is

are non-public schools and do not not do and schools non-public are is the neighborhood school that a child is is a child the that school neighborhood is l is a public school that is not managed by a local by managed not is that school a public is TYPES OF SCHOOLS OF SCHOOLS TYPES Private Schools Schools Private or Require tuition and fees, although scholarships may be available may scholarships although fees, and tuition Require interviews, tests, forms, include may that process application an Have requests aid financial and affiliation a religious have May limited seats available seats limited that tests standardized and materials, lesson programming, offer May schools public from differ Are free to attend but may charge fees for special programs for fees charge may but attend free to Are usually preference with apply, to wishes that student any to open Are areas in the priority living students to given with experiment and policies their own make to freedom more Have new initiatives but attend to wanting students many to due list a wait have May Require an application during a specific time frame and may have have may and a specific time during frame application an Require selective or interviews auditions but attend to wanting students many to due list a wait have May available seats limited Are free to attend, but may charge fees for special programs for fees charge may but attend, free to Are transportation provide not may or May Are made up of students from a specific neighborhood or zip code or zip specific a neighborhood from students of up made Are in their district zone all students for attend free to Are are or elsewhere apply if they not do will a child attend where Are transfer to unable • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Charter School School Charter District Zoned Schoo Zoned District Magnet Program or School Magnet Program

Religious schools: Private funds. government receive school district. schools: Charter A A a curriculum or focused a specificsubject (ex. on programs unique schools: Magnet College Arts, Program). Early Performing Engineering, A District Zoned schools: lives. he/she based where to assigned on

While many of these District Zoned Schools serve students well, they are not the only the only not these they District are of well, Zoned Schools serve many students While or a transfer through attend can children of other typesschools are There option. process. application UNDERSTANDING SCHOOLS UNDERSTANDING address. home to offtheir based assigned are the theyschool attend students often, Most 10 UNDERSTANDING SCHOOLS information parents can find. schools inyour area. In addition to STAAR School exam results, below is asample of the information with public. the Visit school performance data is released, CHILDREN AT RISK organizes and shares that area,their CHILDREN AT RISK created Texas the Guide. School Everyyear new when toeasy find or simple to understand. To helpparents compare the quality schoolsof in Information on aschool’s performance is available to parents, but that doesn’t mean it is is required. and community members to examine how students are learning and where improvement effortsschools put intothe year. They do, however, provide a way for parents, educators, how schools compare to others. No nor test is can perfect, atest capture of all quality the common exams–in Texas would this school performance be on STAAR exams–to see parents should consider also whole the picture. to performance school-wide Look on performance is ameasure of schoolquality. More than just achild’s individual grades, Since of main the schools purpose is to help students it learn, is no academic surprise and understand quality the of below aschool, so are some tips on what to for. look child their well. Itschool is serving is sometimes difficult time-consuming and to research Parents play an important role inmonitoring child’s their education and making sure their ahigh-quality education, childrenAll deserve but not schools are all able to offer one. QualityUnderstanding School 3 2 1 school environment. first-hand lookatthe consideration to geta Visit school(s) the in options. of your child’s school to research quality the Visit charter, etc.). options (magnet, possible school compare itto other zoned school and yourIdentify district STEPS TO CHOOSINGAHIGH-QUALITY SCHOOL generally not performing as well, academically. are options good all for student success! that Schools receive aDor an Fare assigns schools letter grades A-F. of Agrade A,B, and even some Cschools, School Grade – TexasSchoolGuide.org Based on academic their performance,Based CHILDREN AT RISK TexasSchoolGuide.org ACADEMICS 5 4 act. family/needs and that isbestfor your Make decision the deadlines. attention to processes pay and transfer/application Understand the today to more learn about the ENROLL UNDERSTANDING SCHOOLS 11 schools and schools visits. Contact visits. Contact of the school unannounced. Due to security security Due to schools will not schools ask about their concerns, many many concerns, visitation policies visitation General look and feel look and feel General before showing up showing before allow unscheduled unscheduled allow and teachers Relationships between students students between campus Bullying on ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT Schools across the state are ranked based on student based student ranked on are the state Schools across Schools that have high levels of poverty (75% or more) and and more) (75% or poverty of high levels have Schools that RESPECTFUL? COLLABORATIVE? RESPECTFUL? attitude chool staff chool S and front office A Public Education Grant (PEG) school is a campus that has been has that a campus school is (PEG) Grant Education A Public the past 3 years. If your school is a PEG school, you should be notified by the be notified should you school, a PEG is school your If 3 years. the past is if space school a better to child your transfer to allowed are you school and how and schools PEG about information additional for reading Keep available. to transfer. Gold Ribbon – Gold Ribbon means This schools. Gold Ribbon as designated are achievement high student needs. their students’ meeting and well doing these are schools that – PEG of in 2 needing improvement Agencyas Texas Education by the identified School Ranking – Ranking School higher rank, The the grade received. RISK AT CHILDREN and performance year. in the previous performance academic the school’s the better DOES MY CHILD’S SCHOOL FEEL SAFE? WELCOMING? CLEAN? WELCOMING? FEEL SAFE? SCHOOL DOES MY CHILD’S

chool safety and safety chool ASK: levels of security levels S observations at pick-up or drop-off, by talking to neighbors and and by neighbors to talking drop-off, or pick-up at observations speaking to directly by even and enrolled, friends children with their child. or in-person tours for the school their child attends or might might or attends the school their child for tours in-person or during able are all parents best, is not visit a formal While attend. they visit, extended an make can’t if parents Even the day. school from environment the school’s of the quality about learn a lot can campus. Parents have the right to visit their child’s school, meet school, their child’s visit to the right have Parents campus. the about questions ask and administrators, and teachers with visits call set to up schools should Parents school environment. The best way to learn about the environment is by visiting the by visiting is environment the about learn to way The best A positive, supportive environment can help students feel safe and make better grades. grades. better make and safe feel students help can environment supportive A positive, include: the environment of Elements environment. School environment, also known as school climate or culture, refers to the to refers culture, or school climate as also known School environment, environment. successful they how influence school can at feel students How a school. of feel look and discipline and safety, its rules,values, by affected often is environment A school’s are. learning. student for it tone sets the because is important environment The policies. school A second, and equally important, factor to look at for school quality is a school’s a school’s is quality school for look at to factor equally important, and A second, 12 UNDERSTANDING SCHOOLS learning environment. parents are more prepared to advocate for child their and may better understand aschool’s with students early year. inthe By reading and becoming familiar documents, with these to public, the and found can usually be they online or at front the desk ifnot sent home andrules sometimes other are policies. Schools required to make document this available environment. A“code of conduct” is adocument that explains aschool’s disciplinary ofcodes conduct handbooks or are policy helpful inunderstanding aschool’s whatBesides gained can be from visits and conversations with other parents, student certifications. sure child’s their school can provide accommodations best the and teachers with special students or needs English with language special want learners will to check and make dual language program or quality pre-k offerings fortheir younger siblings. Parents of college credit. parents Likewise, of elementary age children may prefer aschoolwith a an early college program or arange of APclasses which can result instudents earning For example, parents of school students high may prefer children their to have access to Advanced Placement programs (AP)or programs that help student meet academic needs. programsBeyond that match student interests, parents may want about to think during schoolday the or at least on campus is abig advantage. or classes extremely can be difficult. Finding thatschool a offers thoseopportunities Magnet on For arts. the school focused many parents, getting children to programs extra orin art performing may want to attend program arts aschool with agood or apply to a important for studentstalents with specific or interests. For example, a interestedchild programs and activities available during schoolday. the This mayparticularly be academics andBesides environment, parents may want to at look of types the special org/bullying campus ifthere is ademonstrated negative impact on student’s the learning. Visit canvictims request atransfer of student their or of bully the to another classroom or should protect also students up about speak who bullying incidents. Parents of bullying should protect students from bullying inany form –written, verbal, or physical. Policies must districts School have bullying and dating violence preventionpolicies policies. These under Texas law. Note, students inPre-K through 2nd cannot grade receive out-of-school suspensions heof or rules, the she may consequences, the face such as asuspension or even expulsion. Every student must follow school’s inthe rules the of code conduct. If astudent breaks any Things to Look For In a Code of Conduct: Look Thingsof ForCode to In a • • • • • • How school responds the to bullying and harassment violates of code the conduct school’sThe process forparent a notifying or guardiantheir if student program (DAEP) Rules for transferring astudent to alternative adisciplinary education decisionsdisciplinary How school factors the self-defense, intent, and disability into Why and how astudent suspended could or be expelled Rules for removing astudent from classroom the or or imbullyfree.org PROGRAMS &AVAILABLE RESOURCES for resources for parents and students. pacer. UNDERSTANDING SCHOOLS 13 . WINTER school Charter and Magnet due. are applications SUMMER are list the wait on Families become slots as notified available • • for more information. familiesempowered.org TYPICAL APPLICATION TIMELINE APPLICATION TYPICAL Lotteries are held, if necessary, if necessary, held, are Lotteries fairly. students admit to are families and Students or acceptance of their notified status. list wait Students are invited to audition, audition, to invited are Students an complete or interview, if required. test additional • • students and their families. their families. and students SPRING • Applications become available available become Applications in person. or online schools individual Districts and fairs choice school host may potential for houses open or FALL / EARLY WINTER / EARLY FALL • • schools or programs. Even if demand for a particular school is high and parents are are a particular parents high is school and for if demand Even programs. or schools it odds system, in a lottery low has or admitted get to unlikely is their child concerned with students provide can process application The apply. and take a chance to hurt doesn’t college. good for practice Many schools have simple or common applications that take less than an hour to fill out. out. fill to hour an than take less that applications common or simple have schools Many within to apply may a student schools of the number to limits are if there check Double multiple to applying consider limits, aren’t there If network. charter districta single or attention to application deadlines. Some applications start as early as September, but every but September, as early start as applications deadlines. Some application to attention fall, so in are theyearly options their to consider parents for is It best different. school is winter. early in applications complete to ready Most charter schools, as well as district magnet schools and programs, require an an require programs, and district schools as magnet well as schools, charter Most also Theymay talents. based grades or based lottery on not and are Some application. admit schools Few portfolio. or audition, essay, an as such requirements additional have close pay should so basis, parents a rolling on or the school year in the of middle students Houston, Families Empowered and Apply Houston both offer resources to guide parents guide to parents resources both offer Houston Apply and Empowered Families Houston, Visit this process. through Charter Applications School and Magnet If parents decide they would like their child to attend a school different from districttheir from different a school attend to their child like decide they would parents If their transfer and process the application school they school, willzoned research need to In admitted. get deadlines rules to and theirown districts have and schools Many options. schools and private schools may provide transportation, but they are not required to do do to required not they are but transportation, provide may schools private and schools options. discuss possible school to the individual Contact so. and Transfers Applications with limited finances may not be interested in private schools with hefty tuition costs. costs. tuition hefty with schools private in be interested not may finances limited with parents for expensive and be difficult may it provided, not is if transportation Similarly, charter Many their zone. of outside a school attend to distances long their child drive to Finances and time constraints may be another consideration for parents. Parents Parents parents. for consideration be another may time constraints and Finances UNDERSTANDING SCHOOLS transfer process similar to one the below. school, depending on policies and district space indesirable schools. Most have districts a Students may able be to enroll intraditional public schools outside of zoned district their Transfer Options quality of child’s their education. communities. There are many waysparents can get involved and work to improvethe learning environments, but parents are unable to or do not wish to leave school their Sometimes students are enrolled at low-performing schools or schools with rough AnOption Isn’t Schools Changing When In Texas, there are of two types transfers, an open transfer or aPEG Transfer. 1 enrolled inPEG schools receive priority as space becomes available. most PEG transfer cases, applications follow same the process as open transfers, but children to adifferentschool schoolwithintheir some district and in cases outside the district. of In parents of students February. enrolled inPEG schools every Parents can request aPEG transfer year state the provides with alist districts of PEG are schools. Districts required then to inform most recent three years or were ifthey rated by state the as “Improvement Required.” Each performing schools where 50%or fewer students STAAR the passed exam inany two of the zoned school has of ahistory failing to state meet academic standards. PEG schools are low- A student atransfer needs for require reasons, medical will they an official letter fromdoctor. the can request an open transfer but may have trouble getting approval ifspace is limited. If a An Public Education Grant (PEG) School Transfer Open Transfer Open request. a transfer submitting beforeschool neighborhood in his or her enrolledbe Student must chain of command” to push changes. policy meetings, Board voteSchool and state inlocal elections, and follow “the community organizations to bring quality programs to school. the Attend practices. Join PTA, the volunteer, persuade school administration and Advocate. Some even provide transportation from school to site. their a variety of community programs available to parents and children. their doesn’t offer high-quality after-school programming or tutoring, there are Take advantage of community programs and online tools. school activities, parents can make sure child their progress. makes good staying inclose contact with teachers, and enrolling child their inafter- a quality By experience. paying attention extra to student’s their grades, Monitor Progress. is any transfer requested on student’s the based and family’s Anyone needs. 2 Parents can voices their use to improve school policies and their child.their is available for find out if space transfer and to to request a tochild attend wantthey their school the Parents contact Even ifaschool is poorly rated, students have can still 3 may requested be ifachild’s district for transfer. denies request accepts or principal Receiving 4 withdraw. approval and to for school neighborhood zonedto the transfer form signed the takes form. The parent signs transfer the school’s principal accepted, the If transfer is If aschool

CRADLE TO CAREER 15 Have less Have chance of chance depression drug use, or behavior behavior problems Have fewer fewer Have adults Have higher Have paying jobs as paying high school Graduate fromGraduate TYPES OF EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS EDUCATION OF EARLY TYPES beyond grade and grade Be successful Be successful readers in 3rd in 3rd readers

school learning at learning Be ready for for Be ready Child care can be paid for by the parent or can be subsidized, meaning the government the government meaning be can subsidized, or the parent by be for can paid Child care for pay help to aid financial receive parents care, child subsidized With care. for pays centers and homes must follow minimum expectations set by the state, but these do not these not do but the state, set by expectations minimum follow must homes and centers quality. is whether the program indicate Child Care Child 12 age to up and Kindergarten, birth through from children enroll programs Child care will location at a be different group age each for Availability programs. after-school for All home. or in a at a center be can offered Child care wait-lists. based their size and on There are many early education options for parents depending on the age of their child, child, of their age on the depending parents for options education early many are There the family. needs of the overall and their income,

their child in a high-quality early education program. There are many different programs programs different many are There program. education early in a high-quality their child high-quality in participation that shown has 5. Research 0 to ages a child for available children: help programs education early adults. adults. enroll to is environment learning early a supportive provide to parents for way Another interactions. Parents help their child’s brain development when they speak their to development brain their child’s help Parents interactions. talking. walking and are children before even them in conversation engage and child life in a child’s individuals other and children, between parents, interactions Meaningful caring of a network by supported them feel helps but develop to their brains help only not learning. meaningful through is environment learning early a positive promote to way One a much faster rate during these first few years than at any other time in their lives. other in lives. time their any at than fewyears these first during rate faster a much growth brain child’s a slow can of life years few the first experiences during Stressful but control, a parent’s outside are situations these Sometimes stressful development. and promotes that environment supportive a safe, still provide they mean can’t doesn’t that The Importance of Early Learning The of Early Importance development. brain to regards in important most arethe life child’s of a years 5 first The learn at Children size. full its adult 80-85% of to grows theDuring brain this time, high school. While parental support throughout a child’s K-12 education is important, important, is K-12 education a child’s throughout support parental While high school. requires graduation they their spend time after how and school, for set is a child up how attention. equal CRADLE TO CAREER TO CRADLE after well it continues and kindergarten, enter students starts process before learning The 16 CRADLE TO CAREER centers like YMCA, the and locations faith-based such as achurch. The fees and program P 25 hours week, income and per certain meet ifthey guidelines. childcare work ifthey or attend an education or vocational training program for at least programs available to Texas parents, and each has own their eligibility requirements. keep children their happy, healthy, and ready for school. There are different home visiting trained professional. Among other resources, home visitors provide parents with tools to a parent’s “home this needs visitor” may anurse, be parent, an experienced or another canwho answer questions, their and recommend give advice. on Depending services, children six years old and younger. Home visiting programs match parents with someone Texas provides home for free visiting many services expectant parents and parents with T (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). children infoster care, or are ifthey receiving funds from Supplemental Income Security national standards. Families through can income qualify levels, homelessness, having Start programs are regulated by U.S the government and are required to certain meet age 5,such as education, Early Head nutrition, health, Start and services. Head and social programs that offerfor avariety services pregnantof women and childrenfrom to birth Early Head Start (for children 0-3)and Head Start (for 4-year-old children) are free Early Head Start &Head Start Care""Find Child search. visiting Texas the Health and Human website Services by location. vary rules Families can search for child licensed care centers area intheir by exas Homeexas Visiting Programs rivate pay child care is offeredthrough care licensed child centers, community local benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/1941 ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator. To findEarly an Head Start or Head location, Start call

HOME at To more learn about subsidized child care or to apply, Collaborative call for Children

INSTRUCTION 713-600-1234 PARENTS FOR AS NURSE-FAMILY PARENTS OF TEACHERS PARTNERSHIP PRESCHOOL (PAT) YOUNGSTERS (HIPPY) or visit: ages 3,4,or 5 with children For families six and under children age child or with expecting a For families mothers For first-time TEXAS HOME VISITING PROGRAMS findchildcare.collabforchildren.org To parents qualify must income meet requirements. Visit to more learn about Head Start. • • • • • • ready for kindergarten learning colors, and other ways to get children Activities are on reading, focused counting, parents on activities specific weekEach ahome instructor works with resource network for families group meetings, developmental testing, and Includes one-on-one home visits, monthly gives parenting support Teaches parents about child development and and how to support child development Parents how learn to have ahealthy pregnancy child turns 2years old trained nurse during pregnancy and until their Enrolled parents receive visits from aspecially 1-866-763-6481 dfps.state.tx.us or visit visit or and using their eclkc.

CRADLE TO CAREER 17 Staff Staff Parent Parent Training Activities Education Nutrition & Nutrition Curriculum . Interactions Involvement & Involvement Caregiver-Child Caregiver-Child Qualifications & Qualifications TRS certified child care child care TRS certified can receive up to 4 stars. 4 stars. up to can receive Stars are distributed based on: based distributed are Stars centers and homes go beyond and homes go beyond centers Texas’ minimum standards and minimum standards Texas’ texashomevisiting.org CHOOSING QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION EARLY CHOOSING QUALITY ualify for free or reduced-priced lunch (see income eligibility table) eligibility (see income lunch reduced-priced ualify free or for Q homeless Are proficiency English limited Have care in foster Are in the military a parent Have etc). firefighter, (police officer, duty of in the die line a parent had Have • • • • • • Public Pre-K is provided for free for children who meet at least one of the following: the of one least at meet who children for free for is provided Pre-K Public rates subsidized child care providers based their on providers care child subsidized rates visit area your in providers TRS find To quality. texasrisingstar.org/parent/find-a-trs-provider person, speaking with other parents and friends, and parents speakingperson, other with or rating quality a provider’s at looking and example, (TRS) for Star Rising Texas accreditation. into their decisions whenever possible. possible. whenever their decisions into their of the quality about learn more can Parents in visiting by programs local education early are certified by the state. While cost, availability, availability, While cost, state. certifiedby the are parents programs still which drive may location and factor should quality program their child, choose for when selecting an early education program. program. education when selecting early an per children of the number as such Characteristics cleanliness, staff friendliness, in a classroom, teacher if they even program, vary each can safety at and every early education program can be considered be can considered program every education early parents K-12 schools, with as Just “high-quality.” culture and the environment consider should Attending a high-quality early education program program education early a high-quality Attending not but children, young for difference a big makes Full-day kindergarten is available for free to all children who turn 5 by September 1st of of 1st September 5 by who turn all free to children for available is kindergarten Full-day localof elementary schools. on campus the offered is and year school that require students to pay tuition and complete an application process that may include tests, tests, include may that process application an complete and tuition pay to students require forms. aid financial interviews, and Kindergarten Public For children who do not meet one of the five criteria above, districts may offer a limited a limited offer districtsmay above, criteria the five of meet one who not do children For usually programs These also is available. Pre-K Private a fee. for spots Pre-K of number by the state, there are many academic and social benefits. While most Pre-K programs programs Pre-K socialmost While and academic benefits. many are there the state, by depending well, as services districts 3-year-olds offer for many four-year-olds, prioritize available. are full-day programs and Half-day resources. and space available on Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Pre-Kindergarten or before on old years turn 4 who children for districtsby school offered is Pre-K Public required not is participation Pre-K While year. school the upcoming of 1st September For more information about home visiting visit visit visiting home about information more For 18 CRADLE TO CAREER including: knowledge and Kindergarten skills. readiness is typically measured across 5areas of development are more likely enter successful they inschoolwhen to be kindergarten with astrong foundation of child their mightworry not developing be fast enough or on be track for kindergarten. Children With much so learning and development happening before children even enter school, parents may Developmental Screening endorsements under Texas’ Foundation High Program. School process. Before child their enters grade, parents 8th should child’s their review choices and available same.the Parents should aware be of differences these and helptheir guide studentthrough the and performance required to graduate schooland high eligible to be for college acceptance are not Starting as early as middleschool, students coursework the for begin necessary college. The classes Houston or EMERGE Fellowship, which are available inmost Houston-area schools. high childrentheir apply to college access programs such Project as One Goal, GRAD, Breakthrough student has potential the to go to college and should have option. the Parents can consider having over course the of lifetime. their While college may not choice best the be for everyone, every education afterschool high are less likely to suffer from unemployment and can earn more money attitudes, and aspirations for life aftergraduation. On average, studentswhocontinue their expectationsSetting and high from an early age can positively impact student performance, It is never early too for students and parents their about to thinking start life afterschool. high Setting aCollege &Career ReadyMindset ScreeningHome.aspx identify howthem child their is progressing and flag issuesearly on. Visit I f aparent is concerned, developmental free screening tools are available online to parents, to help their student to not complete an endorsement. ENDORSEMENTS: SPEECH: ELECTIVES FINE ARTS PHYSICAL EDUCATION Computer I,II,or Science III 2 credits same inthe foreign language LANGUAGES OR COMPUTER SCIENCE Economics Geography, U.S. History, U.S. Government SOCIAL STUDIES Chemistry, or an advanced course science SCIENCE ( advanced math course MATHEMATICS an advanced English course ENGLISH TOTAL CREDITS: FOUNDATION HIGHSCHOOLPROGRAM

( Demonstrated proficiency 3 credits): 4 credits): (1/2credit)

(1 credit) ( 5 credits) 1. Physical skills 3. Mathematics ( ( 3 credits):

22 REQUIREMENTS Parent must sign aform allowing 3 credits):

Biology, Integrated Physics & 2. Literacy English I,English II,English III, to how learn to access screening free the tool. ( 1 credit) Algebra I,Geometry, An

World History or World or World History or or ( 2 credits): 2 credits from (1/2 credit)

, *(4 credits): in math including DISTINGUISHED LEVEL OF *at least 1endorsement *26 with endorsement *(4 credits): in science ACHIEVEMENT 5. Health &Wellness 4. Language &Communication Algebra II actearlytexas.org/Screening/ tuition and fees and tuition university for pay help to Grant aTEXAS for line in first those among students Positions university public Texas any at eligibility admissions 10% automatic Top for compete to students Allows of Achievement... Level Distinguished the Earning universities and colleges selective most the at applicants competitive are students Ensures CRADLE TO CAREER 19 Studies Apply for Apply for Complete Complete Paperwork Paperwork Acceptance Financial Aid Financial Multi-Disciplinary Multi-Disciplinary Start Applications Arts & Arts Humanities apply best fit Submit Decide the Applications decide where to to decide where Visit schools and schools Visit RESPONSIBLE, ORGANIZED, DETERMINED, DETERMINED, RESPONSIBLE, ORGANIZED,

Public ServicesPublic letters Secure Secure POSSIBLE ENDORSEMENTS POSSIBLE accepted SAT and ACT SAT SENIOR YEAR SENIOR YEAR Register for the for Register SPRING/SUMMER SPRING/SUMMER recommendation recommendation your child has been child your students will have completed the required coursework, taken coursework, the required completed will have students Revisit schools where where schools Revisit students will have completed advanced coursework (Honors, (Honors, coursework advanced completed will have students COLLEGE-ELIGIBLE VS. COLLEGE READY VS. COLLEGE COLLEGE-ELIGIBLE Industry for more information on college requirements and resources to to resources and requirements college on information more for Business & AP, IB, etc.), will have a 3.0 GPA or higher, will score at least 1110 on the SAT the SAT 1110 on least at will score higher, or a 3.0 GPA will etc.), have IB, AP, activities, clubs, in school participation a history of will and have 24 ACT, or will also be students These internships. or jobs, work, volunteer leadership, and succeed in the to program likely more are but a program, into accepted time. on graduate College-Eligible to track be on and higher, or a 2.0 GPA least at have exam, ACT or the SAT to some to accepted be likely are students These earn their high diploma. school difficulty adapting have may or coursework remedial require may but programs, expectations. and the work to College-Ready Apply for Apply for SAT or ACT SAT STEM (GRADE 11) universities (GRADE 12) Scholarships Create a list of Create SENIOR YEAR SENIOR YEAR JUNIOR YEAR FALL/WINTER texasoncourse.org Take/re-take the Take/re-take potential colleges/ potential OLLEGE-READY STUDENTS ARE: STUDENTS OLLEGE-READY ust because a student is accepted to college, doesn’t mean they will be successful. Parents they mean will be Parents successful. doesn’t college, to accepted is because a student ust College-Ready Timeline College-Ready can parents Together, possible. as early as career and college for students preparing Start a reality! become dreams their college-going make students help C THINKERS, SOLVERS. CRITICAL & PROBLEM RESILIENT, FLEXIBLE,

develop the skills needed to complete their college degrees successfully. degrees their college the skills neededcomplete develop to J them help and requirements eligibility the minimum above go to their child push can Visit high school. after life for plan families help 20 CRADLE TO CAREER and admission requirements. school opportunityEvery post-high has its own long-term benefits,potential challenges a community college or junior college), school, atrade or USmilitary, the among others. options may include afour-year college or university, atwo-year college (oftenknown as Students have many options for continuing education their afterschool. high These EducationHigher Opportunities aid, of sense community degree options, more access to financial allows for ahigher paying jobthan other including activities, extra-curricular Pros: puter science, etc. journalist, accountant, business, com Potential Careers: Degree: Average Time: limited of sense community Cons: jobquickly agood secure Pros: welder, assistant, medical etc. hygienist, chef, computer technician, Potential Careers: sional License Degree: A ing on school the ten most the expensive option, depend Cons: FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE ORUNIVERSITY verage Time: Offersthe most opportunities, Provides hands-on job training to Requires most the and time is of No extracurricular activities,No extracurricular Technical Certificate/Profes Bachelor’s TRADE SCHOOL 4-6 years 5 months–2 years Electrician, dental Electrician, Engineer, teacher, - - - - A may limited be of community and additional activities offered as at a four-yearcollege, sense a Cons: sity after requirementsmeeting specific tions; can transfer to afour-year univer Pros: etc. gist, paralegal, pharmacy technician, Potential Careers: Certificate Degree: A sacrifice personal risk/ during active service, Cons: tance afterservice financialskills, educationaland assis Pros: administration, engineering, etc. bat operations, cybersecurity, business Potential Careers: for additional degree Degree: verage Time: verage Time: Oftenthe cheapestthe all op of Get to see the world, the to see Get strengthen

Not as many degree options Extended away time from home Associates /Professional Enlisted Career/ Opportunity TWO-YEAR COLLEGE MILITARY SERVICE 1-3 years 4 years or more Military officer, com officer, Military Nurse, cosmetolo - - - - - CRADLE TO CAREER 21 The feelingand a of environment school, including class activities, sports, sizes, sense of location, belonging, etc.

URE LT To apply for schools in other in other schools for apply To TY SCHOOL CU AFFORDABILI

applytexas.org. CAREER ALIGNMENT or visit the school’s specific website. specific the school’s visit or youniversitytv.com/category/college Student’s school grades and test scores may be below the be below may scores test and school grades Student’s Student’s school grades and test scores are above the above are scores test and school grades Student’s Student’s school grades and test scores are within the range the range within are scores test and school grades Student’s collegescorecard.ed.gov CHOOSING A HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM EDUCATION A HIGHER CHOOSING commonapp.org Match SchoolsMatch – freshman. incoming average the school’s of Reach Schools – be not may or may child your and freshman, incoming average school’s still is potential. there but accepted, Safety Schools – Safety a high is likelihood or there he and freshman, incoming for average school’s willshe be accepted. Video tours of colleges: colleges: of tours Video College Scorecard: • • Whether the program matches a matches program the Whether goals. future and career student’s of any student loans. student any of The cost of attending a school after after a school attending of cost The package, aid financial the reviewing burden future and awards, scholarship 4. Consider options and make a decision: make 4. Consider and options few important a are in, there come aid packages financial and acceptance of letters Once consider. to students for factors gets in on time. Students apply for admission to any Texas public university, as well as as well as university, public Texas any to admission for apply Students time. in on gets at colleges, private and community some out check states, Submissions of online applications, standardized test scores, high school grades, essays, high essays, school grades, scores, test standardized applications, online of Submissions charge schools some and common, are school of outside activities about information and Check college year. senior in the a child’s fall due of are applications Most fees. application everything sure make to calendars family deadlines to application add and early websites 3. Apply to schools: to 3. Apply campus can be extremely helpful and can provide a better understanding of the school’s the school’s of understanding a better provide can and helpful be can extremely campus online a few in person, schools visit to unable families For culture. and environment help: can resources 2. Visit schools: 2. Visit the Visiting try when possible. schools visit to applications, on money spending Before Before a student’s junior year of high school, develop a list together of potential colleges colleges potential of together a list develop high school, of year junior student’s a Before in the fall to of apply possibly and about learn more to like they would universities and schools. reach and schools, match schools, safety include Be to sure year. their senior majors, school reputation, quality of career services, etc.; a great deal goes into finding the finding services, deal career into goes of a great etc.; quality reputation, school majors, chooseprogram: to time the best it comes when steps following the fit. Consider right schools: potential a listof 1. Create When choosing a college, university or different higher education path, there are many many are there path, higher education different or university a college, choosing When or programs available location, Affordability, consider. to families and students for factors 22 CRADLE TO CAREER available through state and federal governments, nonprofits, and private organizations. financial aid optionscan educationmake higher more affordable. Financial Aid is as tuition, supplies, dorm fees, books, food, or other costs can add up. However, many Thecost of attendingcollege a or university maysuchExpenses seem overwhelming. AidResourcesUnderstanding Financial aid offices are great resources for parents and students. Understanding financial packagesaid confusing.canbe College and university financial scholarships, or awork-study option. may offer different types and combinations of financial aid including grants, loans, After applying for financial aid, studentswillreceive financial aid packages. Each school and need. and need. financial circumstances are on family based paid back. Grantsbe that not does have to Grants are money application tips. bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search on non-academic qualities such as interests, volunteering, etc. Visit skills, academics and test high scores, there are many also scholarships based are financialgifts and do not have be to repaid. While some on based are can apply for scholarships to help with costs the of college. Scholarships Scholarships: form,this visit atused Texas colleges and universities. For more information regarding undocumented.be Any financial aid providedthrough the TASFAcanbe established Texas residency. This is a optiongood for studentswho may (TASFA) similar to FAFSA, the is very but is only for students have who Texas Aid: Financial with completing forms. the more information and check with schoolcounseling offices for assistance permanent residents or citizens of USto the apply. Visit starting inOctober. It is to best apply as as possible. soon Students must be financial aid a student is eligible for. FAFSA applications are accepted reasonably contribute to child’s their college and expenses what federal FAFSA is aform completed each year to determine what afamily can Federal Student Aid Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Federal Student Aid: GRANTS In addition to applying for financial packages,aid students finaid.txstate.edu/more-info/TASFA loans studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/ low fixed interest rates. Visit on credit and history have student loans are not based plusin full, interest. Federal andbank must paid back be from government the or a Loans are borrowed money The Texas Application for State Financial Aid Federal Student Aid is made available through the to learn more. learn to LOANS which jobs are eligible. financialtheir aid office students should ask If awarded work-study, cover school expenses. help to them income allows students to earn jobthatpart-time Work-study is apaid toscholarships find and get WORK STUDY . fafsa.ed.gov for for SPECIAL POPULATIONS 23 - - -

Some children will also have a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP). BIP’s BIP’s (BIP). Plan Intervention a Behavioral will also children Some have in the class disruptions cause may behavior when a child’s becan helpful room. The goal of an ARD meeting is to understand a child’s disability level level disability child’s a to understand is meeting an ARD of goal The educators, Parents, IEP. or Plan Education Individualized an create and will IEPs this plan. create to together experts special work and education teaching including recommendations non-academic and academic include time. methods, social classroom and time, (BIP) PLANS INTERVENTION BEHAVIORAL ADMISSION, REVIEW, AND DISMISSAL (ARD) MEETINGS ADMISSION, REVIEW, their child reveals if the evaluation ARD Meetings to invited are Parents intellectual disability, physical disabilities: the following of one least at has speech dis autism, disability, learning disturbance, emotional disability, injury. brain traumatic or ability, (IEP) PROGRAMS EDUCATION INDIVIDUALIZED REQUEST AN EVALUATION REQUEST their child’s to request a written submitting by evaluation an for ask Parents must the evaluation request, the written the receives school Once school. days. 45 school within take place THE RIGHTS OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS SPECIAL OF CHILDREN WITH OF PARENTS THE RIGHTS HOW DO CHILDREN RECEIVE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES? SERVICES? EDUCATION SPECIAL DO CHILDREN RECEIVE HOW

1 2 3 4

respond within 15 school days with its intent to conduct an evaluation or a written a written or evaluation an conduct to intent its with days 15 school within respond the evaluation the request, initial from days 45 school Within their refusal. of notice pro ARD the throughout requirements specific time follow School districts must the district school must submitted, is evaluation an for request a written Once cess. Parents have several rights concerning their child's special needs education. Going Going special their child's several needs education. concerning rights have Parents important an are parents and be can difficult, ARD process and the evaluation through needs. their child’s for voice

with available special services.The second places the child in “self-contained” classrooms, classrooms, “self-contained” special services.The available childwith in places the second special with needs. students of the education reserved for only rooms separate are which their time full-time, split while others classrooms in self-contained remain students Some between both classes. types of students ages 3-21 with designated disabilities. Special services are usually divided into Special services into divided disabilities. usually are designated 3-21 with ages students needs. student’s on individual the depending environments, learning of types different two classrooms education general in student the includes environment learning first The of different students. students. different of Needs Special With Children special free, services offer to to required are schools public Texas the law, to According SPECIAL POPULATIONS: SPECIAL meetneedsto the programs different Schools have every way. in the same learns child Not 24 SPECIAL POPULATIONS time. 10schooldays, the During ARDcommittee the must consider consider plan the and with meet ARDcommittee the for second the IfARD meeting. parents disagree, have they up to 10schooldays to Parents have right the to disagree with IEPcreated the during child’s their any arrangements needed to attend meeting. the required parents to notify at least 5school days inadvance can make they so must completed. be After datean ARD meeting is determined,is the district should participate in. tion provided help will schooldetermine the support on the survey this programs achild vey helps schoolunderstand the astudent's level of English comprehension. The informa year to students new or to students have who The home not surveyed. language been sur are districts School required to out send home language at of start the surveys each school being met. due to English their proficiency,there are options available to help ensuretheir needs are languagespecial programs. If achild is having difficulty completing his or herclasswork schools are required to provide an opportunity child to for English, learn known every as English only classrooms are often not helpful for studentswho are learning. still Texas Many students inTexas public schools do not English as first their speak language, and Children Are Learners Language Who English meeting. Parentsceedings. request can also an interpreter present be at ARD the required to provide atranslated written or copy video of IEPpro the If English is not aparent’s language, primary is school district the knowledge ofspecial child, the and child, the ifappropriate. results, acareer or technical education representative, other people with familiar with way the on child the learns his/her based best evaluation of child's the teachers, arepresentative from someone school district, the of an IEP. The meeting should include:parent a or guardian, at least one peopleSpecific be involvedmust inARD meetings theand development alternatives to current the IEP. HOW CAN MYCHILDENROLLINASPECIAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM? additional language support: language additional following the expect ifit shows achild wouldfrom benefit Aftercompleting the homelanguage survey,parents can • • • determine which program is best Information on to how assessed be child the will able and how can help they Information about of types the programs avail gram A notice about joining language aspecial pro - - - - - SPECIAL POPULATIONS 25 PARENTS CAN: PARENTS TO HELP ENGLISH HELP ENGLISH TO EXCEL IN SCHOOL IN SCHOOL EXCEL LANGUAGE LEARNERS LANGUAGE Provide time for children to to children for time Provide or home at English practice learn they words new teach members family other to in home at together Read language either make help to teachers Ask new information visual; students help can pictures new understand better vocabulary • • •

a student whose English language skills are skills are whose language English a student a student unable to communicate fluently or fluently communicate to unable a student RIGHTS OF IMMIGRANT FAMILIES RIGHTS TYPES OF PROGRAMS AND KEY TERMS AND KEY OF PROGRAMS TYPES limited and may make performing classwork in English difficult. in English classwork performing make may and limited English Language Learner = in English. learn effectively Limited English Proficiency = LEP ELL to learn a new language. to Dual-Language Or Two-Way Bilingual Program Bilingual Dual-Language Or Two-Way the and speakers, English native are the students half of classroom, language a dual In lessons conduct Teachers language. who speak foreign the same students half are other asthey get all groups, student both tobeneficial are programs These in both languages. phase out the foreign language and teach only in only teach and language theforeign out phase English. Bilingual EducationBilingual speak class the same in a bilingual All the students in both taught initially are Students language. native will time passes, as their slowly teacher but languages, special sessions. This type of program is usually usedusually is program of type This special sessions. classrooms. and teachers limited have that in schools entirely in English. ESL teachers are not required required not are teachers ESL in English. entirely ESL language. native their students’ understand to which ‘pull-outs’ through happen may instruction for schedule class their normal of out takes students English as a Second Language (ESL) different have may students classroom, ESL an In taught lessons with backgrounds, language families. Schools are also not allowed to require or collect information that would expose would that collect information or require to allowed also not Schools are families. a social as such security number. status, undocumented anyone’s Schools are not allowed to ask about the immigration status of their students or their or their students of status the immigration about ask to allowed not Schools are Texas students come from all backgrounds and cultures. All children, regardless of their of regardless All children, cultures. and all backgrounds from come students Texas education. public to the right have status, immigration of their classes. This may include the use of a Spanish-English dictionary or extended time dictionaryextended or Spanish-English of a use the include may This their classes. of tests/assignments. on Communities Immigrant From Children in all support language receive should students program, or their classification matter No Schools offer a variety of programs to help students at all different levels. The types of The types levels. at all different students help to programs of a variety Schools offer as funding such resources, available in a particularon districtdepend offered programs teachers. qualified and After language testing, children are separated into different English comprehension levels. levels. comprehension English different into separated are children testing, language After programs. language and services different offer will Each classification 26 SPECIAL POPULATIONS tive Locations include: must permission get to special make arrests or inquiries locations. inthese Sensi Other and Border Protection (CBP) officials are discouraged from monitoringspaces these and (DHS). This means U.S. Immigration and CustomsEnforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs areSchools considered “Sensitive Locations” by Department the of Homeland Security or counseling seeking or therapy services. fears of deportation, creating and sharing emergency plans, help children their feel safer by through talking student feelingsthese are great for student learning. Parents may negatively, or negatively even think of themselves. None of teachers and authority figures,be overly danger,to alert act out environment. Thiscan lead students theirto distrust Some students may to feel safe even struggle school intheir possible. parents to recognize stress their and provide comfort when separated be fromwill family or it’s friends, important for country, experiencing culture shock, or are worried they children are overcoming trauma endured home intheir impact performance their or behavior inschool. Whether child. These added stressors ina child’s development may gration status of loved their ones would difficult be for any from one to country another or about worrying immi the Children thrive on stability and structure. Transitioning umented individuals. Note, policies can these change quickly and may not offercomplete protection for undoc atof policy the without fearservices or hesitation. Parents and community members can report violations SensitiveThe DHS Location families existsso canPolicy access essential programs and Dream United We FIEL BakerRipley RAICES Other placesOther of educa tion (daycare, college, school bus stop, etc.) (888) 351-4024 federal level to fight for justice and dignity for immigrants immigrantLeads youth-led campaigns at state, local, the and nity Provides avariety of for immigration commu the services representation application preparation and filing, and administrative, legal Provides assistance legal including personal consultation, immigrant children, families, and refugees inTexas Provides to and underserved free low-cost services legal - other healthcare healthcare other Hospitals and and Hospitals RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANTFAMILIES facilities or online at HELPING KIDSCOPE Churches/places of worship of www.ice.gov/webform/ero-contact-form Weddings & - funerals STRESS &TRAUMA concentrating Withdrawal Irritability/ Aggression Difficulty Difficulty SYMPTOMS OF sleeping/ - eating Public demonstrations unitedwedream.org fielhouston.org services bakerripley.org/ raicestexas.org (marches, rallies, parades) . - - SPECIAL POPULATIONS 27 - - Celebrate Celebrate accomplishments Is curious Is challenges A G/T STUDENT Asks hard questions hard Asks Is usually self-critical usually Is Questions the answers Questions Involve children children Involve in programs that that programs in Prefers adults/older kids adults/older Prefers explore new academic academic new explore keep organized organized keep Provide structure structure Provide and help children children help and HOW DOES A CHILD QUALIFY FOR G/T? FOR CHILD QUALIFY DOES A HOW interests their individual, Help children explore explore children Help HOW TO SUPPORT GIFTED AND TALENTED CHILDREN GIFTED AND TALENTED SUPPORT TO HOW academic, and creative creative and academic, - Is interested Is Is self-satisfied Is Knows the answers Knows Answers the questions Answers AN ENGAGED STUDENT AN ENGAGED Enjoys peers of the same age the same peers of Enjoys Talk to children children to Talk tance of learning about theabout impor violence than their non-LGBTIQ peers. This experience can make it difficult for a child to a child for it difficult peers.make experience This can their non-LGBTIQ than violence social, a child's support their peers. with To belonging a sense of feel learn and in school Children Who Identify As LGBTIQ Who IdentifyChildren LGBTIQ As Questioning. and Intersex, Transgender, Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, for stands LGBTIQ physical and harassment, experience to exclusion, likely more are children LGBTIQ Parents should contact their district or school and research their evaluation policies if they policies their evaluation research school and their district or contact should Parents programs. Talented and Gifted for bethink eligible might their child do: Sometimes, G/T students feel that their schoolwork is too easy. When this happens, this happens, When too easy. is their schoolwork that feel G/T students Sometimes, during misbehave or out" "zone and effort, in less begin put to bored, become can students can parents things a few are here develop, and grow to continue children ensure To school. lored to which type of G/T cluster he/she falls into. he/she type G/T cluster which to of lored is at academically. Additionally, some school districts offer special clusters of curriculum special clusters districts school some offer Additionally, academically. at is this, the curriculum a district will offers If bespecializedbe can part child of. your that above have may a child example, For a certain G/T category. into tests based if he/she on will learning be his/her tai Ideally, creative. be more may or ability intellectual average Depending on the programs offered in a child’s district,school G/T the curriculum will child’s in a offered the programs Depending on each will approach teacher a child’s meaning individualized, are programs Some vary. she or he that the level to according learning his/her pursue to way a unique with student

it will take place at least once a year. Tests should be conducted in the easiest language for for language in the easiest be conducted should Tests a year. once least will at it take place par a teacher, by be typically nominated must a student be evaluated, speak.them to To or school call can campus their school Parents school staff. or member, community ent, testing. and nomination for timeframe and the process district learn about to In Texas, schools start evaluating for G/T abilities in Kindergarten and continue through through continue and in Kindergarten G/T abilities for start evaluating schools Texas, In but this evaluation, for procedures and schedules Each district different 12th has Grade. that meets his/her needs and challenges their growth. There are a wide range of students students of a range wide are There their growth. challenges needs and meets his/her that good make grades. does be not can if he/she G/T even child a and who classify G/T, as If children display special leadership skills or academic talents compared to their peers, to compared talents academic skills special or leadership display children If The Program. (G/T) Education Talented and Gifted a school’s for be eligible may she or he education an with students curious intelligent, provide to is purpose G/T program a of Children Who Are Gifted And Talented Gifted Who Are Children 28 SPECIAL POPULATIONS emotional, and educational well-being, parents and should allies consider: For more resources visit portive learning environment. school. Foster parents help can also students stay on track by providing astable and sup (DFPS) works education with local the agencies to help students remain current intheir andfriends, familiar spaces, Texas the Department of Family and Protective Services of getting behind inschool and dropping out. To keep children connected with teachers, Thelack of stability many childrenthe face in fostercare system putsthem greaterat risk Children in Foster Care orKinship Care access to schoolsupplies or other immediate needs. orfree reduced immunizations, meals, and health dental care, educational assistance, and education liaison connect can families also with organizations or programs that provide ucation liaisons can provide guidance and assist with achild’s enrollment. The homeless son or visit Texas the Homeless Education Office website liaison. Talk to school counselors, principals, or officials district to find your school’s liai Families with housing struggling should connect with school’s their homeless education often providecomfort to children experiencing uncertainty at home. impact astudent’s academic performance. Afamiliar and stable schoolenvironment can closest to where currently they reside. Changing schools often or abruptlycan negatively schoolof origintheir school (the last their address), or immediately enroll school inthe or housing insecurity. Under federal law, students experiencing homelessness can stay at Many to find familiesaffordable struggle housing, and asa result experience homelessness Children Homelessness Experiencing • • • • • Foster Parents OrGuardians May Want To: • • • • teacher to determine how schoolcan the intervene. school principal,the guidance counselor, or asupportive If your child is at beingbullied school, you can contact family, orteachers. mayThey not want you to share informationfriends, with and privacy the confidentialityRespect of your child. community organization. other students.safe This be could space your home or a Provide access to asafe and supportive environment with resources. disgay.com Educate yourself on LGBTIQ terms and issues. Visit and check inoften. Listen to your child, provide words of encouragement, ing out of foster the care system is available, including tuition free inmany cases. scholarship opportunities together. Financial aidfor specifically childrentransition Help foster children towards think future the and explore potential internships or fosterso children have someone to else go to with problems their or concerns. Provide regular access to adult atrusted (teacher, schoolcounselor, manager), case of belonging is important to well-being their and can help enjoy them school. E or any academic extra or emotional support is necessary. Meet with teachers to make aware them of issues at home and determine iftutoring ncourage foster their child to make and friends join after-schoolsense activities. A or or lgbt.ucla.edu/LGBT101 tea.texas.gov/FosterCareStudentSuccess PARENTS for great parent myki www.theotx.org - • • • inclusivity. inclusivity. for ways to promote Visit policies at aschool. advocate for inclusive to may necessary be In some it cases, school policies andResearch local ferred pronouns. and pre their use students all Respect . ALLIES www.glsen.org . Homeless. ed -

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Dr. Lathan Dr. to learn more learn to houstonisd. to learn more learn to - - . . Schools Schools Among CHILDREN AT RISK Graded Academic Growth inReading and Math. 68% Standards or Above on STAAR all tests 42% 2017-18 STAAR PERFORMANCE 7.10% 31.50% 75% 213,528 Schools Among CHILDREN AT RISK Graded Academic Growth inReading and Math. 69% Standards or Above on STAAR all tests 44% 2017-18 STAAR PERFORMANCE 8.6% 31.6% 79.8% 22,565 Schools Schools Among CHILDREN AT RISK Graded Academic Growth inReading and Math. 69% Standards or Above on STAAR all tests 53% 2017-18 STAAR PERFORMANCE 7.7% 9.2% 32.3% 42,301 2017-18 STUDENT ENROLLMENT 2017-18 STUDENT ENROLLMENT 2017-18 STUDENT ENROLLMENT

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to learn more. learn more. to to learn more. learn more. to katyisd.org/Pages/ 42 48 66 kleinisd.net kleinisd.net 11.64% 12.92% 9.67% Dr. Bret Champion Bret Dr. Dr. Lawrence A Hindt Lawrence Dr. Dr. Thomas Thomas Randle Dr.

Access student grades through the Skyward the Skyward grades through student Access Visit system. Access Family dents-parents/family-access tem. To login, visit login, visit To tem. the homepage. on icon the Skyward Access student grades and attendance attendance grades and student Access sys Access Family the Skyward through Access student grades through the Home the Home grades through student Access Visit Center. Access Home-Access-Center.aspx Parent Portal/Access Student Grades: Grades: Student Portal/Access Parent Student Mobility: Student & Resources: Information Parent lcisd.org/students-parents/students-par ents-home Superintendent: Superintendent: Campuses: of Number LAMAR CISD I Rosenberg, TX 77471 3911 Ave (832) 223-0000 www.lcisd.org Student Mobility: Student Grades: Student Portal/Access Parent www.kleinisd.net Superintendent: Campuses: of Number KLEIN ISD Klein, Rd, TX 77379 7200 Spring-Cypress (832) 249-4000 Parent Portal/Access Student Grades: Grades: Student Portal/Access Parent Student Mobility: Student & Resources: Information Parent katyisd.org/parents/Pages/default.aspx Superintendent: Campuses: of Number KATY ISD KATY TX77494 Katy, Lane, 6301 S. Stadium (281) 396-6000 www.katyisd.org 34 SCHOOL DISTRICT INFO Student Mobility: Number of Campuses: Superintendent: www.pasadenaisd.org (713) 740-0000 Pasadena, 77502 1515 Cherrybrook TX PASADENA ISD Parent Portal/Access Student Grades: Student Mobility: Number of Campuses: Superintendent: www.sheldonisd.com (281) 727-2000 11411 CEKing Houston, Pkwy 77044 TX SHELDON ISD Parent Portal/Access Student Grades: pearlandisd.org/Page/180 Parent Information &Resources: Student Mobility: Number of Campuses: Superintendent: www.pearlandisd.org (281) 485-3203 1928 N.Main St., Pearland, 77581 TX PEARLAND ISD dents/skyward_family_access Access system. Visit Access student gradesthrough Skyward the Family Parent Portal/Access Student Grades: select the Skyward the select icon on homepage. the system. To visit login, through Skyward the Family Access Access student gradesand attendance Skyward the select icon on homepage. the system. To visit login, through Skyward the Family Access Access student gradesand attendance Visit Visit 1-Jan.Oct. 11 Application Period: Early High of College &Schools Schools Choice Magnet Programs: /Choice pasadenaisd.org Dr. Powell Deeann 14.33% Mr. King RDavis Dr. John Kelly 14.08% 8.30% pasadenaisd.org/parents-_stu 65 24 12 to learn more learn to to learn more. learn to pearlandisd.org sheldonisd.com . and and and and - Schools Schools Among CHILDREN AT RISK Graded Academic Growth inReading and Math. 75% Standards or Above on STAAR all tests 66% 2017-18 STAAR PERFORMANCE 8.9% 8.8% 26.8% 21,559 Schools Among CHILDREN AT RISK Graded Academic Growth inReading and Math. 68% Standards or Above on STAAR all tests 42% 2017-18 STAAR PERFORMANCE 9.8% 28.7% 76.6% 54,520 Schools Schools Among CHILDREN AT RISK Graded Academic Growth inReading and Math. 65% Standards or Above on STAAR all tests 32% 2017-18 STAAR PERFORMANCE 7% 28.8% 76.7% 9,094 2017-18 STUDENT ENROLLMENT 2017-18 STUDENT ENROLLMENT 2017-18 STUDENT ENROLLMENT

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gram Dr. Scott Muri Scott Dr. Dr. Rodney Watson Dr. my.springisd.org/LoginPolicy.jsp my.springisd.org/LoginPolicy.jsp springisd.org/earlycollege2 springisd.org/earlycollege2 springbranchisd.com/studentsfamilies/ Application Period: Period: Application 9 1 - Feb. Nov. Visit choice-pro Magnet /Choice Programs: /Choice Programs: Magnet choiceVarious options Magnet /Choice Programs: /Choice Programs: Magnet CollegeEarly Academies & Career Period: Application 3 Jan. by College: apply Early Oct. 31 by apply Academy: Career Visit springisd.org/Page/83 Access student grades through the Parent the Parent grades through student Access Portal. Visit dents/parent_portal Parent Portal/Access Student Grades: Grades: Student Portal/Access Parent Parent Information & Resources: Information Parent staffordmsd.org/parents___students Superintendent: Superintendent: Campuses: of Number Mobility: Student STAFFORD MSD STAFFORD TX 77477 Stafford, Rd 1625 Staffordshire (281) 261-9200 www.staffordmsd.org Parent Portal/Access Student Grades: Grades: Student Portal/Access Parent Family the Skyward grades through student Access Visit system. Access lies/family-accessskyward Superintendent: Campuses: of Number Mobility: Student SPRING BRANCH ISD BRANCH SPRING TX 77024 Rd Houston, 955 Campbell (713) 464-1511 www.springbranchisd.com Access student grades through the Home Access Access the Home through grades student Access Visit Center. learn more. Superintendent: Campuses: of Number Mobility: Student Grades: Student Portal/Access Parent SPRING ISD SPRING TX 77090 Houston, 16717 Ella Blvd (281) 891-6000 www.springisd.org 36 LOCAL RESOURCES the greaterthe Houston area working to support parents local and families. Parents don't have to go it alone! There are many quality programs and organizations in ORGANIZATIONS ANDRESOURCES GREATER HOUSTON AREA Institute at UTHealth at Institute Children's Learning Builders Child Center AssessmentChild Bend Fort AdvocatesChild of Catholic Charities HoustonCAN DO Waters Bridge Troubled Over &GirlsBoys Club Sisters Big Brothers Big Clinic Baylor Teen Health Solutions Bates' Counseling Start Ripley/Baker Head Ripley Baker AVANCE Richmond Friends of North Attack Poverty - ican Americans Advancement of Mex Association for the Family Ministries Arrow and Child ARK Group Point Anchor Engagement Community ISDAlief Family & Richmond Clinic AccessHealth ORGANIZATION - thebridgeovertroubled childrenslearninginsti early-head-start-slash- vices/christine-smith- batescounselingsolu bcm.edu/healthcare/ locations/friends-of- bgclubs-houston.org catholiccharities.org bakerripley.org/ser bbbstx.org/houston myaccesshealth.org avancehouston.org candohouston.org attackpoverty.org/ care-centers/teen- aliefisd.net/family north-richmond/ thearkgroup.com childbuilders.org cachouston.org anchorpoint.us bakerripley.org health-clinic waters.org WEBSITE head-start arrow.org tions.orgl aama.org cafb.org tute.org - - - - 713-798-4951 281-653-6579 832-759-5385 713-667-9400 713-812-0033 832-847-4379 713-967-6700 281-210-1500 281-537-1301 832-632-1221 281-498-8110 281-342-4530 713-500-3777 713-481-6555 713-986-3300 281-344-5100 713-526-4611 713-472-0753 713-868-3426 1-888-887- PHONE 2447 Rosenberg Richmond Richmond LOCATION Pasadena Missouri Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Stafford Stafford Bellaire League League Spring City City PROGRAMS/ FOCUS AREA Faith-based Counseling, Child AbuseChild Prevention Child VictimChild Support Mentoring Programs Community Support Community Youth Devolopment Family &Education Family &Education Family &Education Family &Education Healthcare Services Faith-based Family Education Services Education Support Education Health Services Family Support Family Support Family Support Family Support Family Healthy Living Crisis Support Crisis Crisis Center Crisis Support Support Support Support Support LOCAL RESOURCES 37 Support Support Services Services Family Support Family Support Family Support Victim ServicesVictim Early Education Child Advocacy Family Education Family Education Support Programs for Teens Teens for Programs Community Center Parenting Programs Education & Family & Family Education Counseling ServicesCounseling Counseling ServicesCounseling Violence Prevention Violence Art, Dance, & Music & Music Art, Dance, Education/Recreation Education/Recreation Foster Care/Adoption Foster Special Needs Services Needs Special Special Needs Services Needs Special Female Empowerment Female Mental Health Services, Health Mental Faith-based Community Community Faith-based Homeless Youth SupportHomeless Youth Child/Family Counseling Counseling Child/Family Down Syndrome Support Male Youth Devolopment Youth Male Land Land Sugar Sugar Sugar Sugar Conroe Stafford Stafford Stafford Humble Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Richmond Richmond 832-939-9919 888-337-1411 713-861-4849 281-446-2615 713-466-6304 713-229-8353 281-344-5750 713-594-9750 713-838-9050 713-942-9500 713-729-3200 713-589-8767 713-780-2833 713-861-4849 713-683-0847 713-600-1100 713-923-2316 281-208-2018 281-207-2361 713-730-2335 713-522-1138 936-756-4644 281-277-8811 713-523-2231 - - org com com ters.org fbwc.org educators fwepinc.org houston.com escapefrc.org depelchin.org creativedoc.org cmhouston.org/ familylifecrc.org erjcchouston.org fort-bend-county familytimeccc.org familyservices.org gettingsorted.com familyhouston.org gigisplayhouse.org christiancounseling covenanthousetx.org collabforchildren.org rantmethewisdom.org communityfamilycen eastersealshouston.org cochouston.wordpress. depelchin.org/stafford- familiesempowered.org familytofamilynetwork. childrenssafeharbor.org familyenrichmentclinic. - Grant Me the Wisdom the Wisdom Me Grant Foundation GettingSorted Playhouse GiGi's Sugarland Fifth Ward Enrich Ward Fifth ment Program Bend Women's Fort Center and Counseling Counseling and Center Family to Family Network Family Services Family of Greater Houston Crisis Time Family Family Houston and Life Family Resource Community Center Families Empowered Families Enrichment Family Clinic Evelyn Rubenstein Rubenstein Evelyn Community Jewish Center Houston ESCAPE DePelchin Children's Children's DePelchin Center SealsEaster Greater Creative Dreams Dreams Creative Outreach Center Bend Fort De Pelchin Community Family Family Community Centers House Covenant Center for Collaborative Children Christian Counseling Counseling Christian Center Outreach Christian Children's Museum Museum Children's Safe Children's Harbor 38 LOCAL RESOURCES HOPE Clinic Center Hispanic Counseling Head Start H.E.A.R.T. Development Center Spring Branch Family Loved Sole Center StepsSmall Nurturing seling Centers Coun Shield Bearer Center Shape Community Second Mile &GirlsBoys Club Richmond-Rosenberg Institute Prestige Learning Fort County Bend Medical Center of Pregnancy Resource PEACE Parents as Teachers Out2Learn NAMI (Catholic Charities) Community Center George Mamie Services sional Counseling Living Well Profes Counseling Samaritan Krist Ministry Human Needs Libraries Houston Public Houston Food Bank Place Houston Achievement Outreach Horizon Hope for Three - - namigreaterhouston.org hispaniccounselingcen peacenurtureskids.org samaritanhouston.org houstonfoodbank.org headstartprogram.us/ parentsasteachers.org catholiccharities.org/ bgclubs-houston.org horizonoutreach.org prestigeinstitute.org houstonlibrary.org livingwellpcs.com prmcfortbend.org heartprogram.org out2learnhou.org hopeforthree.org humanneeds.org shieldbearer.org secondmile.org soleloved.org sbfdc.org/wp hopechc.org our-services hapkids.org state/texas shape.org ssnc.org ter.com - 832-415-3088 713-600-1206 713-970-4419 281-202-6200 713-892-5483 281-480-7554 281-261-1006 832-393-1313 713-223-3700 713-868-1943 713-467-4966 281-245-0640 713-773-0803 281-679-9937 866-763-6481 713-692-4278 713-996-8781 281-844-7735 713-236-0330 281-894-7222 713-521-0629 281-261-9199 281-232-7599 ​713-969-8906 281-232-2375 Rosenberg Richmond Richmond Missouri Missouri Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Stafford Stafford Bellaire Sugar Texas Land City City After-Hours Family Health Free Shoes/Athletic Shoes Special NeedsSpecial Workforce Mental Health Support Health Mental After SchoolAfter Programs After-School Activities After-School Adult Immigrant Edu Food Pantry &School Family Services Social Counseling Services Counseling Services Counseling Services Child Care Services Child Community Center Community Pregnancy Support Pregnancy Education Support Education Parenting Support Parenting Support Parenting Parenting Classes Autism Support Support Autism Family Support Family Family Support Family Support Family Support Family Public Library Food Support Supplies Services for Kids for cation - LOCAL RESOURCES 39 Support Support Services Family Support Family ServicesFamily . Parenting Training Parenting Community Center Community Center Family & Community & Community Family Behavioral Healthcare Healthcare Behavioral Special Needs Support Needs Special Faith-based Community Community Faith-based After School Programing Programing After School After School Programming; Programming; After School Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Houston Richmond Richmond www.211texas.org 713-223-813 281-341-0791 713-743-5491 713-460-0781 281-403-0838 713-807-7911 281-239-1140 713-957-1600 713-802-6250 713-659-5566 for everyday parenting tips for all ages. for tips everyday parenting for

- to learn about resources in their community. Parents Parents in their community. resources learn about to for the latest information on school performance and trends. trends. and school performance on information the latest for

ily-ymca aogh.org voatx.org us/triple-p texanacenter.com ymcahouston.org/ wholisticservices.com workshophouston.org uh.edu/education/pep triplep-parenting.com/ www.ymcahouston.org SmartParents.org locations/tw-davis-fam wesleyhousehouston.org (877) 541-7905 TexasSchoolGuide.org YMCA Workshop Houston Houston Workshop Wesley Community Community Wesley Center ServicesWholistic Can" America of Volunteers Texas YMCA Education UH Parent "Families Project, Triple P Parenting P Parenting Triple Help TW Family Davis Texana Center Texana Greater of Arc The Houston read this Parent Action Guide. Parents interested in more educational resources should should resources educational in more interested Parents Guide. Action this Parent read visit also can visit Parents Navigating the public education system can be challenging for any parent. By learning learning By parent. any for be can challenging system education the public Navigating the way, along their child support to how and education in a quality look for to what to taking for the time you Thank these challenges. handle to equipped better are parents MORE? FOR LOOKING abuse counseling, parents can call the free, anonymous hotline 24 hours a day, every day a day, 24 hours hotline call can anonymous the free, parents counseling, abuse 2-1-1 or dialing by code at zip services by for also and can search online 2-1-1 TEXAS 2-1-1 connects that Services program Commission Human and Health a Texas is 2-1-1 Texas substance or to crisis foodhousing or local finding and services. state with From Texans PARENT ACTION GUIDE

This page marks the end of the English version. The Spanish version begins from the guide's

opposite cover.

cubierta opuesta. cubierta

español. La versión en inglés comienza de la guía la de comienza inglés en versión La español.

Esta página marca el final de la versión en en versión la de final el marca página Esta GUÍA DE ACCIÓN PARA PADRES PARA ACCIÓN DE GUÍA