What is the Parent Leadership Partner Program?
CFEC’s Parent Leadership Partner (PLP) Program is a uniquely designed engagement-focused curriculum that aims to increase and strengthen parental engagement within our local school communities. The curriculum can be utilized by any parent group, but it is especially tailored for use among parents of students enrolled in Title I schools. In this context, "parents" includes any adult who is serving as the primary caretaker or guardian for a student.
CFEC successfully piloted two PLP groups in 2021 & 2022. Partner organizations in Greenville, Tanglewood, and Richland County have also successfully led PLP programs in the last year. CFEC's School Partners will also be implementing PLP as a part of their participation in the School Partner Program. CFEC is now in the process of making this program available to schools, districts, and community organizations who would like to utilize the program for the parents they serve.
The goals of the program are to (1) increase parent capacity to advocate for their own children’s educational needs, as well as advocacy for school improvement for all students and (2) increase parent awareness about available tools and resources beneficial to them and their children. In PLP, groups of up to approximately 15 parents increase their knowledge, skills, confidence, and connections in a supportive environment with other parents. PLP sessions are built around 7 research-based modules developed by Yasha Jones Becton, Ed.D. that have been incorporated into a parent workbook and cover topics related to leadership skill development, navigating the education system, and strategies for supporting their children's learning and development.
Participating parents are expected to (1) prepare for each session by reviewing information and exercises in the workbook; (2) attend and actively participate in an orientation and all seven sessions; and (3) develop a small leadership project that they will undertake, either individually or with other participants, to address an education-related need in their school or community. Parents who successfully complete the program participate in a small graduation ceremony to recognize their accomplishments.
Benefits of the Parent Leadership Partner Program
- Increased numbers of parents in the school community are prepared and eager to partner with their school and advocate for its success.
- PLP graduates encourage other parents to engage with the school by serving as trusted brokers, modeling effective partnership practices, and exemplifying the benefits of family-school partnerships.
For more information and requirements for hosting your own PLP, visit our Sponsor Guide.