Parent Engagement
Our vision is to create a vibrant and inclusive community where every parent is empowered to actively participate in their child’s educational journey. We strive to foster meaningful connections between families, schools, and the broader community, ensuring that every parent feels supported, informed, and equipped to advocate for their child’s success.
About Us
Through collaboration, resources, and open communication, we aim to break down barriers and build a foundation of trust and partnership, driving positive outcomes for all students and their families.
The Parent Engagement Department has 5 total programs represented:
Early learning/Parenting groups/classes: Parent Child Development Services (PCDS), Level Up! (Early Literacy Program), Preschool for All (PFA)- Classes and groups and home visiting services that help prepare the littles for success early. Also recognized by the courts and can provide client assistance once enrolled.
Our Services
Click on one of our programs to learn more
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Is our free preschool identification/connection program funded by the county (Family Connector Organization, FCO). This program aims to identify families with 3- or 4-years old’s on or before September 1st, who may have barriers to accessing preschool for their little one.
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This is our Home Visiting and Early literacy program(s), funded by (Early Childhood Equity Fund (ECEF) and SUN County Contract). These programs work in symmetry of delivery.
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This program, supported by the Portland Children’s Levy, is dedicated to empowering parents and families. Our classes, held weekly on Tuesdays at 12pm and in person at 6 pm, in twelve-week cycles.
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Our Parent Coordinator(s) are dedicated to building strong connections between home and school, encouraging parents to actively participate in their children’s education. By fostering family engagement, we aim to break down barriers to success and empower families as they navigate various systems, ensuring their needs are fully supported.
Preschool For All
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Our family navigator will assist with identifying the right fit, completing the application and enrollment assistance, and lastly, some short-term case management in referrals to SEI and community resources. These services can be accessed through our in-house referral or through our online website. Currently taking referrals, Primary application period happens in spring and majority of PFA seats/applications are filled June for upcoming school with those applicants.
Applications are not guaranteed based around. New applications will likely be placed on a waitlist starting in the summer, any family that did not get a placement in spring will be placed on a waitlist. During the Summer enrollment period, if we can offer a child a seat based on the ranking of preschool choices listed on their application, we will reach out to those families for PFA placement.
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The child(ren) must be 3 or 4 years of age, by Sept. 1st, Family must live in Multnomah County.
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Please fill out an Interest Form
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Email
Harmony Howard (Early Learning Supervisor) HarmonyH@selfenhancement.org
Marlo Williams Accius (Parent Engagement Programs Manager, marlowb@selfenhancement.org
Harmony - (PCDS/PFA family)
“Since joining my caseload on March 7th, 2023, I have had the privilege of witnessing an extraordinary transformation in both a dedicated mother and her 3-year-old son. This single mom, despite facing challenges in her relationship with the child's father, has consistently shown unwavering commitment to her child's well-being.
When we first connected, she was working in a job that didn't fulfill her, living in a place that wasn't ideal, and relying on her sister for childcare. But her journey since then has been nothing short of inspiring. She has returned to school, moved into a new home, and started a new job closer to her community. With the support of myself and her SEI family navigator, her son is now enrolled in preschool.
One recent, heartwarming moment occurred while we were grocery shopping for Thanksgiving. She shared how much she appreciates our early learning and preschool programs and expressed gratitude for the support we've provided to her family. The growth I've seen in her son is equally remarkable. Initially shy and hesitant to listen to his mom, he now eagerly participates during our home visits, is excited to learn, and is becoming a helpful presence in their home.
It has been an honor to support this family on their journey and to witness their resilience and growth.”
Level Up
Parent Child Development Services, (PCDS)
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Our Early Learning Home-Visiting program offers the following: monthly home visits, Kindergarten Readiness, monthly activity kits, family goal setting, parent support/education services, Vision/hearing/developmental/social-emotional screenings, and referrals to in-house and other social/health services as needed.
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We serve families prenatal to six years old, (0-6 yrs. old) No income guidelines. These services
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SEI In-house referral
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Harmony Howard (Early Learning Supervisor) HarmonyH@selfenhancement.org
Marlo Williams Accius (Parent Engagement Programs Manager, marlowb@selfenhancement.org
Berengere
“Our family has embraced every opportunity to attend events, allowing their children to connect with peers, socialize, and learn the value of being responsible, compassionate individuals. These experiences are more than just activities—they're building blocks for a brighter future. Our mission is to prepare every early learner for kindergarten by creating readiness communities that nurture growth and provide each child with the tools they need to succeed. One of the most powerful aspects of our program is the emphasis on play. Through play, children explore their emotions, navigate new behaviors, and work through challenges in a safe and supportive environment. For children who have faced emotional difficulties or traumatic experiences, play becomes a lifeline, offering a way to express and process their feelings. It’s through these playful interactions that they also develop essential social skills—learning to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts. Playing with peers gives them the chance to explore different roles and understand where they fit in their social world. witnessing the joy and growth of these children as they engage in play and knowing the profound impact it has on their emotional and social development, reaffirms our commitment to creating supportive, nurturing environments for every child.”
Harmony
“Within our early learning program, Mom has expressed her appreciation for how our program allows her to assist her children in a classroom setting and socialize/share information with other EL parents. Over the past year, Mom and I have set goals for the children and herself which has given her clear vision of priorities and what she sees the next year looking like for her family and herself when applying for jobs, building communication skills, and setting boundaries/expectations within the home. Since November 2023, Mom has started her new job at her children's school which allows her to be more involved within her child's school and still stay close to her children helping her process her emotions regarding separation from child. Mom and dad have been able to set clear boundaries within the household to ease stress towards monthly bills and communication. Mom and I have also done some bill planning to manage/prep for monthly bills while understanding how our program can support their family and build financial stability so that Mom can become self-sufficient.“
Nurture Parenting Classes
CAPI PLC
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We offer culturally specific, intensive parenting classes, and wraparound support services. Participants also benefit from two home visits per week, ensuring personalized guidance and care. Designed specifically for African American families, this program aims to strengthen parenting skills, build protective factors, and support parents in creating safe and nurturing environments for their children, from newborns to 18-year-olds. We serve at least 40 families each year. Recognized by the Multnomah County court systems, our program provides long-term case management services to support your family’s ongoing needs. Accessing these valuable services is simple, either through our in-house referral process or via our website.
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All parents, grandparents; caretakers of children
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Self-referral, in-house referral, partner programs
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Marlo Williams Accius (Parent Engagement Programs Manager, marlowb@selfenhancement.org
In-School Parent Coordinators (ISPC)
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By working closely with families of students enrolled in the SEI in-school program, our Parent Coordinators ensure access to essential resources and services through our Community + Family Programs are received. Our primary goal is to boost parent engagement within the school, the SEI community, and with their children. Parent coordinators have unique insight into all the programs/resources/support available to enrolled families (in-school/SUN). Parent Coordinators do this by providing:
Home visits
Referral services,
Engagement kits
Attending and collaborating with school led activities
Providing voice opportunities for families/parents.
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This program is NOT referral-based, and the Parent Coordinators inherit their caseloads based on the enrolled students that In-School coordinators have.
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Etema Banks (Parent Coordinator Supervisor), EtemaB@selfenhancement.org