PROGRAM OVERVIEW

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.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Partnering with Parents for Student Success

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. Classes and groups and home visiting services that help prepare the littles for success early.

The Parent Engagement Department has 5 total programs represented

  • Parent Child Development Services (PCDS)

  • Level Up! (Early Literacy Program)

  • Preschool for All (PFA)

Contact Information


Harmony Howard

Early Learning Supervisor
HarmonyH@selfenhancement.org 

Marlo Williams Accius

Parent Engagement Programs Manager
marlowb@selfenhancement.org

SERVICES

what we offer

LEvel Up

0-6 YEARS OLD


Level Up provides home visits, learning activities, and parent education to help your child thrive from birth to age six. We offer kindergarten readiness support, developmental screenings, and connections to valuable resources.

Preschool For All

3-4 YEARS OLD


Preschool for All helps families find free, high-quality preschool for their 3- and 4-year-olds. Our Family Navigators guide you through the application process, help you find the right preschool for your child, and connect you with other helpful resources.

*Must live in Multnomah County

In-School Parent Coordinators

2nd-12th GRADE


Parent Coordinators support the parents of all enrolled students of the SEI in-school program. The main outcome(s) for this program are to increase parent engagement in the schools, in the community/SEI, and with their student(s).

Nurture Parenting Classes

FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS


Nurture Parenting Classes offer culturally specific support and education for African American families. Our weekly classes and home visits help you build strong parenting skills and create a nurturing environment for your children.

PROGRAM DETAILS

LEvel Up

Eligibility

Families with children prenatal to six years old. No income guidelines.


Services

Monthly home visits with activity kits, kindergarten readiness support, parent education, developmental screenings (vision, hearing, social-emotional), and referrals to other services.

Funded by the Early Childhood Equity Fund (ECEF) and SUN County Contract


How to Enroll

Enrollment Process is open to the community; please contact Community & Family Programs office at (503) 285-0493 to connect with a PCDS Educator.

“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. "

PROGRAM DETAILS

Parent Child Development Services (PCDS)

Parent Child Development Services (PCDS) provide services for families of children ages 0-6 to promote positive parenting, healthy child development, and school readiness. All child development services include a range of activities designed to promote parent competence and healthy child development.

Services available

The Parent & Child Development Services (PCDS) program provides the following services for children ages 0-6 and their parents:

  • Monthly home visits

  • Kindergarten readiness

  • Family goal setting

  • Parent support & education services

  • Vision, hearing, developmental & social- emotional screenings

  • Referrals as needed

  • Access to other social and health services

  • Parent child interactive groups

  • FREE - no income guidelines

Enrollment Process is open to the community; please contact Community & Family Programs office at (503) 285-0493 to connect with a PCDS Educator.

PCDS Groups

These Parent Child Interactive Groups are designed to help parents learn how to prepare and ready their children for a structured learning environment. Available at 1 location:

Community + Family Programs (0-6 yrs)
2205 NE Columbia Blvd.
Portland, OR 97211

Thursdays 11:00am - 1:00pm
LUNCH PROVIDED

PROGRAM DETAILS

Preshool for all

Eligibility

Families in Multnomah County with children who will be 3 or 4 years old by September 1st.


How it works

Our Family Navigators help you find the right preschool, complete the application, and access other helpful resources.


How to Apply

Referrals are accepted year-round. The main application period is in the spring, with most placements filled by June.

Families who apply after the spring deadline may be placed on a waitlist.

“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.”

PROGRAM DETAILS

Nurture Parenting Classes

Eligibility

All parents, grandparents, and caretakers of children from newborns to 18 years old.


what we offer

Culturally specific parenting classes (held weekly), two home visits per week, and long-term case management.

Funded by the Portland Children's Levy.

This program is recognized by the Multnomah County court system


How to Apply

Contact Marlo Williams Accius

marlowb@selfenhancement.org

PROGRAM DETAILS

In-School Parent Coordinators

Eligibility

All parents, grandparents, and caretakers of children from newborns to 18 years old.


what we offer

The main outcome(s) for this program are to increase parent engagement in the schools, in the community/SEI, and with their student(s).

Parent Coordinators do this by providing:

  • Personal visits

  • Referral services

  • Attending and collaborating with school led activities

  • Providing voice opportunities for families/parents.


How to Apply

Contact Marlo Williams Accius

marlowb@selfenhancement.org

“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.”