Whole Child & Family Engagement
Introduction
The Whole Child and Family Engagement Department is a cornerstone of our district’s mission to serve every student with equity, compassion, and excellence. As a premiere K–8 district, we recognize that a child’s academic success is deeply connected to their overall well-being and the engagement of their family and community.
Our department was created to ensure that students and families are seen, heard, supported, and empowered at every stage of the educational journey. We work in partnership with schools, caregivers, and community agencies to build a system that supports the whole child — socially, emotionally, and academically.
Purpose
The purpose of the Whole Child and Family Engagement Department is to:
- Eliminate barriers to student success by addressing attendance, mobility, housing insecurity, and family transitions.
- Support families through responsive communication, transfer processes, and needs in a timely, respectful, and equitable manner.
- Champion the needs of vulnerable populations, including foster youth, students experiencing homelessness (McKinney-Vento), and students with Section 504 Plan.
- Promote authentic engagement between schools and families by valuing parent voice, building trust, and creating inclusive spaces for collaboration.
- Strengthen community partnerships that enhance access to resources and ensure all students have the conditions to thrive.
We are not just a support team — we are advocates, connectors, and collaborators. Our department is dedicated to creating a district culture where every child is supported, and every family is engaged.
Our Services
Comprehensive Support for Students, Families, and Schools
The Whole Child and Family Engagement Department is dedicated to supporting all aspects of a student's educational journey, beyond the classroom to ensure students have every opportunity to be successful and thrive academically, socially and emotionally.. Our services are designed to remove barriers, connect families with resources, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Family Engagement: Partnering With Purpose
At the heart of student success is a strong partnership between families and schools. Our department is proud to serve as a bridge that connects, empowers, and uplifts families across our district. We understand that parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers, and your voice matters. Our team is here to actively listen, respond with compassion, and support families as they navigate the educational system. Whether you're seeking guidance, have a concern, or simply want to better understand how to support your child’s learning, we are here for you, every step of the way.
How We Support Families:
- Responsive Communication: We offer culturally affirming, multilingual support to ensure every family feels seen, heard, and understood.
- Advocacy and Guidance: We help families and collaborate with schools to identify the best solutions for student success.
- Welcoming Environments: We promote inclusive and respectful interactions, where all families feel a true sense of belonging and partnership.
Student Transfers and Transitions
We assist families in managing the transfer process.
- Intra- and inter-district transfers
- Transition support between schools and grades
- Transfer appeals guidance
Attendance Support
Consistent attendance is critical to student success. Our team helps identify and remove attendance barriers.
- Early intervention and outreach
- Individualized Attendance Goals
- Coordination with school sites and counselors
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program
We provide support to students and families experiencing housing instability.
- Immediate school enrollment and transportation
- Access to free school meals, supplies, and other resources
- Connection to community resources and family services
Foster Youth Services
We ensure educational rights and access for students in foster care, in partnership with caregivers and agencies.
- School stability and placement support
- Records transfer and enrollment
- Case coordination and advocacy
Section 504 Coordination
For students with disabilities who do not qualify for special education but need accommodations, we provide guidance and oversight for Section 504 implementation.
- Evaluation and eligibility guidance
- Accommodation plans and compliance monitoring
- Parent support and communication
Dr. Elsie Briseño Simonovski - Director, Whole Child & Family Engagement