As a part of N.C. Cooperative Extension of Durham County, the Parent and Family Advocacy program engages with parents to help them the gain skills, confidence, and connections necessary to effectively navigate the local pre-K through 12 educational system and to advocate on behalf of their child and others. Through training programs, publications and events, we seek to give parents the tools they need to support their child's academic success.
Parent & Family Advocacy and Support Training (PFAST): A program which covers parent involvement, school structure, school communication, accountability programs, and which helps parents to better navigate the public school system. Learn more on our FAQ page. The training is also offered in Spanish through our Latino Parent & Family Advocacy and Support Training (L-PFAST).
Interested in offering the training for your organization or taking the training? Contact: lballen@dconc.gov
Parents as Leaders Training (PAL): A course for graduates of our PFAST and L-PFAST programs, PAL takes parents and advocacy to the next level, teaching parents about local, state, and national education policy and how to impact it. Topics include parent leadership, student opportunity gaps, funding, and school decision making. PFAST and L-PFAST graduates should contact their training facilitator for more information.