District Newsletter: Our Parent Liaison Program and How to Connect

Parent liaisons are one of the most underutilized resources in many school districts. Families who would benefit most from liaison support often do not know the role exists or do not feel confident reaching out. A newsletter that explains what a liaison does, who they serve, and exactly how to contact them turns an underutilized resource into a real connection point.

What Parent Liaisons Do

Parent liaisons are district employees who serve as the connection between schools and families, particularly families who face language barriers, are new to the community, or are navigating complex situations like homelessness, special education, or involvement with child welfare. Liaisons are not administrators. Their role is to support families, help them understand their rights, connect them with resources, and reduce the barriers that keep some families from engaging with their child's education.

Who Our Liaisons Serve

Our district has [number] parent liaisons who collectively serve families across all schools. Liaisons are assigned to specific schools or geographic areas. Some liaisons have specializations: [liaison name] supports families navigating special education processes, [liaison name] works primarily with families who have recently immigrated, and [liaison name] focuses on families experiencing housing instability. Everyone is welcome to reach out regardless of their specific situation.

How to Reach a Liaison

Contact information for every parent liaison is posted on the district website and on the family resources page of each school's website. You can also reach a liaison by calling the district main office at [phone number] and asking for the family liaison team. Liaisons are available in person at schools on scheduled days, and they can also meet families at a community location or by phone if that is easier.

A Sample Parent Liaison Newsletter Excerpt

"Our district has parent liaisons at every school. Their job is to help you. If you are navigating a difficult situation and are not sure who to call, start with the liaison. If you need translation support at a school meeting, they can arrange it. If you are not sure what services your child qualifies for, they can walk you through the options. Here is how to reach them."

What Liaisons Can Help With

Parent liaisons can help families understand and navigate the IEP or 504 process, connect with food, housing, and mental health resources in the community, prepare for parent-teacher conferences, access translation services for school documents, enroll students who have recently moved into the district, and understand district policies and rights. They are generalists who know when to refer families to a more specialized resource.

Language Access

All of our liaisons are fluent in at least one language in addition to English. The district also has a contract with a translation and interpretation service for languages not covered by liaison staff. If you need interpretation support for a school meeting, contact the liaison at your school at least three school days in advance.

Getting Involved

Families who have worked with a liaison and want to give back can connect with the district family engagement team about volunteer and community ambassador opportunities. Daystage newsletters include direct contact links for each liaison so families can reach out immediately after reading the newsletter without having to navigate the website.