Parent Assistance Centers Do you need information about educational programs for your child? Would you like some assistance in learning when and how to apply for programs and understanding terms such as: Resides school Magnet programs Optional programs High school open enrollment Elementary school clusters Kindergarten (Primary 1) registration Transfers For more information click here -Relocation Services The District provides a relocation service to assist families new to Louisville and Jefferson County. Relocation staff will arrange tours and will explain the District's offerings in detail. Services are provided through two Parent Assistance Centers. See our Foster Parent Newsletter (pdf) Hours of operation Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at either of these locations --

Background and Rationale

Students in the Jefferson County Public Schools are assigned to schools through a system of Managed Choice. This system enables the district to offer students a variety of choices to meet their academic needs while ensuring that all schools are racially integrated and that enrollment stays within the space limitations of programs and facilities.

The Managed Choice Plan greatly increases flexibility as compared to the traditional method of assigning students to schools based on their residence and provides the following:

A quality education in a racially integrated environment for all students,
Opportunity for parents to participate in the assignment of their child to a school/program,
Stability of student assignment,
Opportunity for the district to meet student needs and interests by offering specialized programs at selected sites,
Efficient use of district facilities by attracting students to strategically located programs,
Efficient use of community sources by placement of programs in proximity to related resources, and
Assistance to schools to enhance their programs to meet identified educational needs and preferences.

However, the potential benefits of the Managed Choice Plan are easily lost if students and parents are unaware of the programs and services, are unable to access them, or feel alienated from the system and its methods of operation. Additionally, the potential benefits are lost to staff and schools who sometimes see their efforts frustrated by lack of participation or cooperation by students and parents.

In order to assist parents and students in understanding and participating in the Managed Choice Plan, the Board of Education included a specific recommendation in the Student Assignment Plan adopted on August 26, 1996. That recommendation is C.8 which states:

The school district shall develop a consistent process for informing parents and students about the Student Assignment Plan and available choices. This process shall include the role of schools which shall have the major responsibility and Parent Assistance Centers which shall be established in various geographical areas to provide support for parents and students participating in the school selection/assignment process.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Parent Assistance Centers is to assist parents in enrolling students in schools within the framework of the Student Assignment Plan.

Goals

To provide information to parents and students participating in the school application and assignment process.
To provide assistance and support to parents and students in resolving school-assignment related issues.

Measurable Objectives

Collaborate with other Student Assignment staff to conduct group informational meetings serving parents.
Respond within 48 hours to all requests for information.
Develop and implement a data collection process to document service provided and resolution/outcome of parent contacts.

Groups to be Served

The Parent Assistance Center will respond to anyone who requests information or assistance and will conduct an outreach program to provide information to parents. The focus will be upon the following groups:

Parents of children of preschool age;
Parents of children in Primary 1 (Kindergarten);
Parents of students who are interested in magnet or optional programs and open enrollment, especially parents of students entering Primary 2 (first grade), sixth and ninth grades;
Families who, because of socio-economic or other barriers, do not access services readily;
Newcomers to the area;
Families relocating within the county;
Non-public school families;
Families who, for whatever reasons, are “school shopping;” and
Parents and students experiencing problems related to school assignment.

Functions and Responsibilities

Providing information about:
1. The District’s system of Managed Choice and its operation;
2. Programs and services available at specific schools;
3. Optional and magnet programs and open enrollment;
4. Registration, application, and enrollment processes;
5. Student transfers; and
6. Specific statistical data about the district or individual schools.
Offering assistance with registration, application or enrollment.
Collaborating with district programs such as Early Childhood, Title I, English As A Second Language, Family Resource Centers, and Homeless/Migrant Education to prepare staff to effectively assist parents with the Managed Choice process.
Planning for and conducting informational and support sessions at locations in the community including preschools/child care providers, realtor/relocation offices, foster and adoptive parent agency, and community organizations.

Location of Centers

Lam Building
4309 Bishop Lane
Louisville, KY 40218
Phone – 485-6250
FAX – 485-6251

DuValle Education Center
3610 Bohne Avenue
Louisville, KY 40211
Phone – 485-6771
FAX – 485-6251