Parent
Center
A parent center is special room set aside for parents and families at a school. Sometimes called a family center, it is an essential part of a welcoming school climate. It offers a place for family and community members to gather for conversation and planning. Its main function is to improve the school's partnership strategies by interfacing with parents and families, coordinating volunteer efforts, and distributing information to families. Davies (1991) notes that a parent center makes possible "the continuing and positive physical presence of family members in the schools" (p. 378).
Some parent centers provide activities and programs for families, such as a clothing exchange, grade-level breakfasts, and English as a second language (ESL) classes. Others focus on recruiting volunteers for various school tasks. Often the room is equipped with various materials to help parents: adult-sized tables and chairs, a telephone, a coffee pot, a hot plate, and occasional snacks.
Typically, a parent center is staffed by parents and family members. Often the parents volunteer their time. In some schools, however, parents are hired as center coordinators (Davies, 1991).
For more information on parent centers, refer to the following sources:
