Family and Community Engagement

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Students embracing outside of school — Enhancing children's lives through engagement

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) works in collaboration with districts, schools, parents, teachers, students, administrators, and community members to enhance family and community participation in children's lives. A child's education is a responsibility shared by school, family, and community educational partners during their time in school.

Family and Community Engagement Network

Join us for monthly in-person and virtual meetings dedicated to fostering stronger family and community engagement.

2025-26 Schedule

September 16 (In-Person)
Reaching and Engaging All Families: New Approaches that Work
October 21 (Virtual)
Safe, Welcoming and Inclusive Spaces: Building Belonging for Every Family
November 13 (In-Person)
Beyond the Basics: Hosting Powerful Parent Workshops

January 22 (Virtual)
Family Advocacy & Voice: Supporting Parents as Leaders
February 19 (In-Person)
Collaborating with School Staff: Engaging Teachers and Admin in Family Engagement
May 12 (In-Person)
Self-care and Community Care: Supporting Ourselves to Support Families

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Calendar of Events

More to Explore

Superintendent Advisory Committees

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) superintendent advisory committees share advice and provide recommendations to the San Diego County superintendent of schools to support SDCOE's mission of inspiring and leading innovation in education and achieving our North Star goal of reducing poverty and increasing belongingness through public education. The advisory committees provide space for SDCOE staff to gain new insight; learn about the hopes, strengths, aspirations, and challenges facing students and families in San Diego County; and to collaborate with communities to co-create solutions. They have helped guide our Equity Blueprint for Action and will provide additional feedback as it is updated.

Current Committees

Black/African-American Advisory Committee
American Indian Education Advisory Talking Circle
Asian American and Pasifika Advisory Committee
Latinx Advisory Committee
LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Membership

Community members represent one or more of the following groups:

K-12 education
Higher education
Family member of current or former students
Community based organization

The chairperson and SDCOE staff work together to determine membership to ensure community context and a wide range of perspectives are considered.

Meeting Structure

Convene at least four times a year with most meetings happening in-person as much as practicable
Provide opportunities to build community and connection
Create community agreements as a group
Provide space for members to share pertinent community updates and resources

Tools for Supporting Families on Campus

Building Strong Connections with ML/EL Families: Essential Strategies for Success

Family engagement is essential for all students, including ML/EL (multilingual learner/English learner) students. Building strong connections with these families is key to ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Creating a Welcoming Environment for Families with Students Who are English Language Learners

A welcoming environment can make a tremendous difference for all families, including those who speak English as their second language or are learning English. These tools and strategies can be put in place in the classroom or on campus today.

Black Student Summit

Banner art with student athletes, graduates, and families

The annual Black Student Summit aims to increase student, parent, and community excellence through education, culture, empowerment, values, and purpose.

The event theme is: Our Voice, Our Power, Our Future. The summit addresses the achievement of Black students in K-12 and beyond, in addition to educating students about the Black diaspora experience by engaging them in interactive sessions related to college preparation, leadership, social justice, and black empowerment.

The free summit is intended for students in grades 6 through 8. The event is held annually in the spring. Check back here for more information for our 2026 event.

District Parent and Family Liaison Resources

Professional Learning Opportunities

Professional learning opportunities for parent and family liaisons to attend or trainings to host for families are available throughout the school year. Please contact Kathia Lopez for more information.

Family and Community Engagement Network

Join us for our monthly culturally responsive Family and Community Engagement Network meetings.

You're invited to our monthly meetings dedicated to fostering stronger family and community engagement. At San Diego County Office of Education, we believe in the power of collaboration and meaningful connections within our community.

Training Topics

How to Get to College

The How to Get to College professional learning opportunity for English learner coordinators, English language development (ELD) teachers, parent liaisons, and parent leaders will provide the knowledge and resources for you to hold a workshop for your school's parents on how to motivate, support, and encourage their child to get to college.

Six Types of Parent Involvement

The Six Types of Parent Involvement professional learning experience is designed for English learner coordinators, ELD teachers, parent liaisons, and parent leaders. Attendees will be able to facilitate professional learning sessions for their own school parents based on Joyce Epstein's Six Types of Involvement framework.

Digital Citizenship

Reading and Homework Lead to Academic Success

This session is designed for English learner coordinators, ELD teachers, parent liaisons, and parent leaders. Attendees will be able to facilitate professional learning sessions for parents on different strategies to motivate, help and support their children with completing homework and improving reading skills.

Parent Groups and Committees

Parents and guardians are a key component of the planning, monitoring, and evaluation process for state and federal categorical funds. The School Site Council (SSC), District Advisory Council and other parent groups provide important input into the planning process. Each group operates under requirements governed by Education Code. Guidance and trainings for parent groups are available.

School Site Council Resources

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Every school site with 21 or more English learners form an English Learner Advisory Committee which is responsible for advising the principal and staff on programs and services for English learners, and the School Site Council on the development of the Single Plan for Student Achievement.

Learn More

District-Level English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

Each school district with 51 or more English Learners is required to form a district-level English Learner Advisory Committee for the purpose of advising the district governing board on programs and services for English learners.

ELAC / DELAC Resources

SDCOE
FAQs

Please email Patricia Karlin at patricia.karlin@sdcoe.net to request training for site / LEA leadership.

Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

A committee formed by the district to provide feedback about the LCAP. The majority of the committee members must be parents of students in the district and include representatives of the "unduplicated" student groups.

English Learner Parent Advisory Committee (ELPAC)

A committee formed by the district to provide advice about the LCAP in those districts whose enrollment includes at least 15% English learners and at least 50 pupils who are English learners. The majority of the committee members must be parents of English Learner students in the district.

Resources

Downloadable Reports

Latino Educational Achievement Report
(PDF)

Family Engagement Framework Report - English (PDF)

Family Engagement Framework Report - Español (PDF)

Resources for College

Information and Support

SDCOE FAFA Completion Resources
College Board: College searches, practice SAT questions, loan information.
CollegeNet: College searches, financial aid, scholarship search, college recruiting, virtual bookstore.
CSU Mentor: Comprehensive guide to the California State University 23 campuses.
San Diego State University: Prospective students, other options, virtual tour.
University of California - San Diego
White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans