Resources

• Abriendo Puertas is a school readiness program that strengthens the leadership and advocacy skills of Latino parents with children ages 0-5.

• Pacer Center offers bilingual workshops, individual assistance and translated publications focusing on issues facing families of children with special needs.

• En Camino: Educational Toolkit for Families is an interactive online resource to support Spanish-speaking families from the National Center for Families Learning.

• League of United Latin American Citizens National Educational Services Centers offer educational counseling, scholarships, mentorships, leadership development and literacy programs.

• MALDEF advocates for Hispanic/Latino civil rights and to provides publications to educate the Hispanic/Latino community on their rights and responsibilities. 

Key Strategies for Inclusion

• Honor the diversity of Hispanic families. Work with school staff and families to welcome their differing demographics and perspectives.
  
  
• Work with community groups and organizations. Build relationships with community and faith-based organizations, youth-serving groups and businesses to expand networks of support and opportunity.
  
  
• Be responsive to language differences and cultural expectations. Provide information to assist families in understanding American culture, parenting and school expectations. When possible, create materials in both English and Spanish.
  
  
• Seek out and involve Hispanic parents in PTA leadership. Empower parents as advocates for children’s success.
  
  
• Encourage parent engagement. Facilitate two-way communication between school and families; work with the diverse ways that parents may define involvement.
  
  
• Address obstacles to PTA involvement. Bilingual materials, flexible meeting times, transportation and child care assistance, and translators can foster commitment.