Resources for Families

Community Resources
Seattle Public Schools Resources
FAQ

Community Resources for Families
Here is a list of community resources and links that can assist you in a variety of different ways.

City of Seattle - Family Centers
There are twelve Family Centers located throughout the Seattle area. The Family Centers works to strengthen families and promote success for all children. Specifically, they work to increase community connections and improve communication within families, help families ensure their children’s school success and increase families’ self sufficiency. For more information, please contact the Family Center located in your neighborhood.

Community Resources Online (CRO)
Community Resources Online is a service of the City of Seattle's Crisis Clinic. It connects you with up-to-date details on thousands of services in Seattle and King County. You can search the CRO database to find the people and programs that can help you. Whether you're looking for counseling, a food bank, or any community service, you can find it through CRO. You can also access the information provided by CRO by calling the Community Information Line at 206-461-3200 or 1-800-621-INFO. The Community Information Line is open M-F from 8am-6pm.

Dual-Language Children's Books
In Summer 2002, The Washington Reading Corps compiled a list of children’s books that are available in both English and the following languages that are widely spoken in the Seattle area. The languages currently researched include:
Amharic, Chinese, Hmong, Khmer, Lao, Samoan, Somalian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese.

Help Me Read
Help Me Read is a website devoted to helping children improve their reading skills and is sponsored by the Family Literacy Coalition of Puget Sound. This is a resource for families, tutors, teachers and community members who want to be involved in family literacy.

Northwest Regional Education Laboratory (NWREL)
A collection of NWREL resources focuses on Parent Involvement. Collection include information about: Breaking Through: When School Gets Tough, Keeping Kids Safe, Tips About Young Kids, Words, and Reading, Tips for Parents on Motivating Kids, and Two-Way Street Leads to Learning.

Parent Trust for Washington Children
Parent Trust for Washington Children is a family support program that can help you by connecting you to family support groups and parent education classes. They also have a Family Help Line, which a free telephone service for parents who need support with parenting. You can access the Family Help Line by calling 1-800-932-HOPE (4673). When you call this number, you will speak to a parenting coach that has been trained to provide you with parenting support and information.
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Seattle Public Schools Resources

Enrollment Service Information Line
This automated menu system will provide answers to enrollment questions or transfer you to someone who can assist you.
(206) 252-0410

Transportation Services
Provides information about school buses.
(206) 252-0900

Customer Service
Provides general information about Seattle Public Schools and can help you find the right department to answer your questions.
(206) 252-0010

Head Start
Head Start can provide information about preschool programs in Seattle Public Schools.
252-0960

The Seattle PTSA Council
Provides information about PTSA groups in Seattle schools.
206-364-7430

The Office of Family and Community Partnerships
206-252-0996 or visit our web page:
www.seattleschools.org/area/famThe Family Support Worker Program
Family Support Workers work in school buildings assisting families with social services and basic needs.
206-252-0950
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Parents
If you do not find an answer to your question below, you may also find the information that you need by visiting the list of FAQs located on the SPS main page.

Q. Where can I find information about academic standards and expectations?

A. Academic standards and grade-level expectations in Seattle Public Schools are aligned with Washington State’s Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EARLs) To find out more about how Seattle Public Schools is implementing these standards into the curriculum, you can visit Seattle Public School's instructional services home page.

Q. What should I do if I have a concern or complaint about something in my child’s school?

A. If you have a concern or complaint, please start by communicating it directly to the staff at your child’s school. Principals and teachers are able to address most problems to everyone’s satisfaction. If you need further help, call Customer Service at 206-252-0010.

Q. I need help finding resources for my family (food, clothing, shelter, etc.). Is there anyone at my child’s school that can help me?

A. If your child is in elementary school, there is a Family Support Worker at the school that can help connect you to resource providers. Family Support Workers can also provide assistance if you are experiencing a family crisis. They are also there to help provide you with the information that you need to make sure that your child succeeds in school. To find out who the Family Support Worker is in
your school, visit the Family Support Worker Website or call 206-252-0950.

Q. What are my rights as a Seattle Public Schools parent?

A. Parents have the right to be involved in all decisions regarding their children’s education. They also have the right to request an interpreter for school meetings. Seattle Public Schools will try to accommodate your language when possible. Parents may also bring their own interpreter.

Q. I received a Notice of Disciplinary Action (NDA) from my child’s school? Where can I find out more about Seattle Public School’s discipline procedures?

A. You can find out more about student discipline procedures by visiting the Student Discipline homepage.
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