Introduction
- Parent Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs) are a statewide resource center for parents and educators funded by the U.S. Department of Education. PIRCs bring parents, educators and those that work with families a wealth of information about helping children get ready for school and succeed in school, from the early grades through high school.
Maine State PIRC works with parents, schools and community agencies statewide to help foster "partnerships that will increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of children."
With a quick phone call or email to PIRC your school can receive:
• Printed materials for parent resource shelves.
• Workshops for families on educational topics.
• Facilitation of strategic planning sessions for parent involvement committees and other stakeholders.
• Guidance on updating parent policies and compacts.
• Ongoing technical support for family involvement program development.
For a full PIRC Brochure, click here.
- To see a copy of the proclamation, click here.
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On October 4, 2007 Governor Baldacci was joined by the Maine State PIRC (Parent Information and Resource Center) to officially acknowledge October as Parent Involvement Month throughout the state.
The proclamation (in recognition of the importance parents have in their children’s life, education, and school community) urges schools, parents, and communities to work together toward a common betterment of children and their educational success. Schools are encouraged to recognize the outstanding contributions parents make in fostering their children’s love of learning and for the commitment parents make to be involved by becoming an intricate part of their child’s school community.
We offer information, support, and training to reach the following goals:
Increase Home-School Partnerships
We provide individualized consultations and support to schools as they examine and build upon current parent involvement practices within the school. We offer free workbooks regarding the creation of parent involvement teams/programs and provide trained staff to help facilitate team meetings. We provide materials and technical assistance to create Family Resource Centers within the school.
Provide Information
Our resource center is accessible statewide through our 1-800 number and provides printed materials, a mailbag library, parent newsletter, and referrals on topics such as child-rearing, encouraging learning at home, child development, and best practices for improving home-school communication.
Present Workshops
Our workshops are free of charge and are offered to parents, educators and community members statewide. Following is a list of workshops we currently offer, click here. PIRC workshops
Foster Literacy Skills
Fostering literacy skills in young children provides them with one of the most important keys to their educational success. Please take a look at these websites for fact sheets, handouts and on-line ordering of materials.
Help parents and educators understand NCLB
It's a new era in education, and we want you, as parents and community members to be part of the transformation. Find answers to all your questions about the new education law signed by President Bush on January 8, 2002 at the Official No Child Left Behind website.
NCLB Making a Difference in Maine
NCLB FACT Sheets
First Day of School Celebration
The First Day of school Celebration began as a pilot project in several Vermont schools in 1997, it has quickly gained popularity as a means for educators to connect with families early on and keep the positive connection working throughout the school year. MPF believes the First Day of School Celebration can be an effective vehicle for increasing parental involvement in a positive and enthusiastic way.
If you have questions about the First Day Celebration feel free to contact the Maine Parent Federation and ask to speak with Angela Burgess, your Statewide Parental Involvement Coordinator at 623-2144.
An overview of the New Education Law (National PTA), www.pta.org
Parent Involvement Policies and Law (National PTA), www.pta.org
Testing, Accountability, and the Law (National PTA), www.pta.org
The Next Step Is Yours (National PTA), www.pta.org
A New Federal Role in Education (Center on Education Policy), www.cep-dc.org
From the Capital to the Classroom: State and Federal Efforts to Implement the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND Act Commentary and Summary (Center on Education Policy), www.cep-dc.org
Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRCs) www.pirc-info.net
Please note that Maine Parent Federation does not endorse products or services advertised on the these websites. Please use your own discretion.
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For materials or more information, call:
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207-623-2144 - Augusta area or
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1-800-870-7746 (In-State Only)
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Maine PIRC
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Maine Parent Federation
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P.O. Box 2067
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Augusta, Maine 04338
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email: parentconnect@mpf.org
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