SPEL Family Engagement efforts are supported by three components: Parent/Family and Family Liaison team members, the Family Ambassador Pilot Program, and
FAMILIES TO THE MAX (F2MAX) Pennsylvania Statewide Family Network.
SPEL Team Members Include: Family Liaisons and Parent/Family Member
Family Liaison Role – Designed for an LEA team member with the responsibility to act as point of contact or bridge between team and parent/family. They are knowledgeable about the school/community’s cultural diversity and trusted by both parents and professionals. They can build staff’s capacity to engage parents beyond the identified SPEL students and are able to equip parents to collaborate with both professionals and other parents.
Parent/Family Member(s) – A parent/family member of a student enrolled at SPEL site who will ensure that the family perspective is included in SPEL implementation and to encourage and support engagement of other families. School teams will seek to authentically engage families as a component of their SPEL action plan.
All team members have an equal voice in developing and implementing problem-solving
ideas/solutions.
Family Ambassador Pilot Program
The SPEL Family Ambassador Pilot Program is a federally funded initiative supported by the Office of Special Education Programs through the State Personnel Development Grant, Success for PA Early Learners (
SPEL). Coordinated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education—through the Bureau of Special Education—and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services—through the Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports — the program supports children and families transitioning from Preschool Early Intervention to Kindergarten.
Family Ambassadors, who have lived experience with this transition, serve as liaisons between families and schools, providing guidance on the special education process, the EI-to-Kindergarten transition, and parents’ roles in the IEP process, while connecting families to needed resources. Ambassadors work remotely, virtually, and/or in person, committing an average of at least 15 hours per week. Findings from the pilot will be used to strengthen and refine transition supports for families across Pennsylvania, ensuring students feel prepared and families feel informed, engaged, and supported.
FAMILIES TO THE MAX Pennsylvania Statewide Family Network
FAMILIES TO THE MAX (F2MAX) is the Pennsylvania Statewide Family Network composed of dedicated family members, educational professionals, and community members. They work collaboratively to build awareness, empower families and lead change.
- Mission: Leading change for children with diverse needs by maximizing opportunities in the home, classroom, and community.
- Vision: Empowering students, families, and communities to believe that all children can reach their maximum potential.
For additional information and to join the network click this link:
https://www.pattan.net/Collaborative-Partnerships/FAMILIES-TO-THE-MAX