Parent involvement is critical to a child's education. Through its Translation and Interpretation Unit, the NYC Department of Education works to reach immigrant parents with limited proficiency in English.

In NYC, parents of public school children are engaged through parent coordinators, leadership teams, and parent associations. Parents also shape how "Title 1" funds are used.

• Parent Coordinator - The parent coordinator is responsible for helping address parent concerns and supporting parental involvement in schools. You may contact the parent coordinator at your child's school for more information and assistance or to voice your concerns.

• School Leadership Teams - Every New York City public school has a School Leadership Team. At least half of the members on this team are parents elected by other parents. The team is responsible for designing the school's Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) which governs key policies including the school's budget, curriculum, parent involvement, and staff development.

• Parent Association (PA) / Parent Teacher Association (PTA) - Every school has a PA/PTA, which consists of parents and teachers. The PA/PTA can obtain complete information on and be consulted about the school's student achievement levels and operations such as the budget, hiring, and curriculum decisions.

• Title 1 - Title 1 is a program that aims to raise the achievement levels of low income and minority students. Parents are directly involved in deciding how funds available thought Title 1 are used in the school. Funds can be used for a wide range of things including afterschool programs, tutoring, and parent training.