Session Descriptions - Monday

This presentation will explore how Family Connection of Easton and Parent Child+ have partnered for over 15 years to empower families through equitable, strengths-based engagement. Participants will learn how collaborative practices can break down barriers, promote family leadership, and build stronger connections between families, schools, and communities. The session will highlight practical strategies, real-world examples, and outcomes from this partnership that demonstrate the power of centering families in efforts to advance equity.

What do you do when a parent repeatedly parks in the fire lane at pickup time? Or when a child makes a comment that's racist, homophobic, or inappropriate? What about when a student or their parent comes to school smelling of marijuana? If your instinct is to look for someone else to step in maybe the family engagement staff or a supervisor you're not alone.
Many educators enter the classroom prepared to teach students but feel unprepared and often deeply uncomfortable when it comes to building relationships with families, especially when conversations turn difficult. It's not just about not knowing what to say it's about not feeling ready or supported enough to say it. Without a foundation of connection, even the most well-worded conversations can feel impossible to have.
One of the biggest barriers? Time. In today's over-scheduled classrooms, educators rarely have the space built into their day to form the kinds of trusting relationships that make difficult conversations more effective and less intimidating. This session will not only acknowledge that reality, it will give educators the tools to make the most of the limited time they do have and begin to advocate for more intentional, protected space for family engagement.
We'll also explore the dynamic of teachers often deferring tough conversations to family engagement staff or management not because they don't care, but because of the discomfort. While collaboration is crucial, educators should feel confident and equipped to engage directly, especially when the conversation is best had coming from them as the expert in their field and the one who has more direct contact with the child or the situation.
In this interactive and reflective workshop, we'll focus on:

• Why connection is the foundation of confident communication
• How to make the most of limited time to build rapport with families
• Strategies for having hard conversations with empathy and respect
• Tools to manage discomfort, judgment, and hesitation
• How to advocate for systemic changes that prioritize time for relationship-building

Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned professional, this session will help you build confidence to connect and communicate with families in a way that supports student success and strengthens your role as a trusted partner.

Integrated Education and Training (IET) classes are concurrent and contextual classes that are co-taught by a job training instructor and an ESL instructor. This allows ELL students to acquire the language needed to pass a specific certification and obtain employment in a related field. This workshop focuses on what IET and bridge classes are and why they are important part of educational programming.

What do you do when a parent repeatedly parks in the fire lane at pickup time? Or when a child makes a comment that's racist, homophobic, or inappropriate? What about when a student or their parent comes to school smelling of marijuana? If your instinct is to look for someone else to step in maybe the family engagement staff or a supervisor you're not alone.
Many educators enter the classroom prepared to teach students but feel unprepared and often deeply uncomfortable when it comes to building relationships with families, especially when conversations turn difficult. It's not just about not knowing what to say it's about not feeling ready or supported enough to say it. Without a foundation of connection, even the most well-worded conversations can feel impossible to have.
One of the biggest barriers? Time. In today's over-scheduled classrooms, educators rarely have the space built into their day to form the kinds of trusting relationships that make difficult conversations more effective and less intimidating. This session will not only acknowledge that reality, it will give educators the tools to make the most of the limited time they do have and begin to advocate for more intentional, protected space for family engagement.
We'll also explore the dynamic of teachers often deferring tough conversations to family engagement staff or management not because they don't care, but because of the discomfort. While collaboration is crucial, educators should feel confident and equipped to engage directly, especially when the conversation is best had coming from them as the expert in their field and the one who has more direct contact with the child or the situation.
In this interactive and reflective workshop, we'll focus on:

• Why connection is the foundation of confident communication
• How to make the most of limited time to build rapport with families
• Strategies for having hard conversations with empathy and respect
• Tools to manage discomfort, judgment, and hesitation
• How to advocate for systemic changes that prioritize time for relationship-building

Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned professional, this session will help you build confidence to connect and communicate with families in a way that supports student success and strengthens your role as a trusted partner.

My presentations focuses on building intergenerational and intercultural relationships to create better community outcomes. The purpose of this presentation is to give attendees the tools and resources to move people and get them involved!

Integrated Education and Training (IET) classes are concurrent and contextual classes that are co-taught by a job training instructor and an ESL instructor. This allows ELL students to acquire the language needed to pass a specific certification and obtain employment in a related field. This workshop focuses on what IET and bridge classes are and why they are important part of educational programming.

Family engagement is a living part of communities, schools, systems, and structures. Migrant communities bring an enriching variety of cultures, many of which have fathers as key components of the family dynamic and engagement. Stereotypes in the United States have often clustered fathers' input or engagement, particularly in the areas of Education and Special Needs. However, a father's involvement is a fundamental part of a child's development and educational success.
The Role of Fathers in Child Development
Fathers play a crucial role in their child's development, providing emotional support, guidance, and a sense of security. Their active participation in their child's education can positively impact academic performance, social skills, and overall well-being. For children and or children with special needs, this involvement becomes even more critical, as fathers can advocate for appropriate resources and support.
Challenges and Stereotypes
Despite the importance of fatherly involvement, stereotypes in the United States have led to the underestimation of fathers' contributions, particularly in the context of special needs. These stereotypes can create barriers to fathers' engagement, making it essential to address and overcome these misconceptions.
Objectives for administrators and educators

• Raise Awareness: Highlight the importance of a father's involvement in their child's education, and if applicable, special needs.
• Promote Inclusion: Encourage administration, schools, and communities to create inclusive environments that welcome and support fathers' participation.
• Provide Data and Support: OSEP data, resources, and training to help administrators and educators engage fathers effectively in their child's education.

We will describe the importance of Financial Literacy for school age students and how imperative it is to involve parents/families as well. We will use data we have compiled from our Family Financial Wellness initiatives and outline the tips and design for a fully functional and successful program for Student and Family Financial Education.