A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Parental Assistance Centers
Parents and Children Together

Parents and Children Together (PACT), on behalf of the Hawaii State Family Center Association, is the umbrella organization for 5 Family Centers that are establishing Parental Assistance Centers in 11 schools on 3 Hawaiian islands. The target schools reflecting Hawaii's diverse urban, suburban and rural settings are marked by low academic achievement. The Parental Assistance Centers are founded upon the vision that families, schools, and community members are equal partners in lifelong learning. Through a collaborative effort, the Parental Assistance Centers build parenting skills and improve the sense of community and partnership between home and school. They serve parents and school staff and are accessible to all families connected to the schools. The Parental Assistance Centers will offer services to all 11 schools that include:

1. Information and Referral Services
   All families connected to the 11 schools can access information on a range of topics such as child development, parenting skills, and information on collaboration and shared decision making in schools. Parents may also utilize referrals to other services. Assistance and intervention, however, focus on family strengths, rather than on deficits.

2. Classes, Training and Support Groups
   Parents, schools, and community members determine their needs and the Parental Assistance Center's objectives. The Family Centers then design specialized workshops, parenting classes, and support groups, thus providing a forum for the discussion of child-related issues.

3. Family-School-Community Partnerships
   The Parental Assistance Centers strengthen ties between parents and their schools and communities. Each Family Center has a parent-school-community Advisory Board that ensures that all activities are implemented through partnerships among parents, school staff, and community members. Parents are encouraged to learn more about their childrens' school environment by attending school-based parent-child and family fun activities. Likewise, joint parent-school training sessions, projects, and events foster positive partnerships between parents and their children's schools. The Centers also hold parents-school training session, projects, and events to develop positive partnerships.

4. Tailored Activities
   Each site will determine its own needs, but several are already developing specific activities. For example, one elementary school on the Big Island is implementing the nationally recognized Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), which encourages parents to take an active role in their children's learning. One school on Oahu offers basic skills/GED classes for parents. Two other elementary schools on Oahu have training for parents to become tutors in the school. On the Island of Molokai a high/intermediate school is targeting pregnant and parenting teens and their families.

Family Centers & Schools

The West Hawaii Family Center

Big Island: Kailua-Kona

Ke'alalakehe Elementary & Intermediate School

Molokai Family Support Center

Molokai: Kaunakakai

Molokai High & Intermediate Schools

Kaneohe Community Family Center

Oahu: Kaneohe area

He'eia, Benjamin Parker, & Pu'ohala

Elementary Schools

KEY Project Family Center

Oahu: Kahaluu

Kahalu'u & Waihole Elementary Schools

Kuhio Park Terrace Family Center

Oahu: Honolulu

Fern, Kalihi Waiena, & Linapuni Elementary Schools

Director:
Helenann Lauber
Parents and Children Together
1475 Linapuni Street, Room 117-A
Honolulu, HI 96819
Telephone: (808) 841-6177
Fax: (808) 841-1485
Award: $389,697
Affiliation: HIPPY

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[Albany/Dougherty 2000 Partnership]

[The Higher Plain]