Happy Birthday, Parent University

Parent University is growing up.

Parent University, the DOE’s online learning and empowerment platform for NYC public school families, is officially celebrating its first year of service this month! Since its debut in fall 2020, Parent University has helped thousands of City caregivers to take more of an active and collaborative role in their children’s education. Thanks to Parent University’s collection of outstanding digital resources and opportunities, City families have access to a wide range of program offerings, including online workshops to help improve children’s emotional wellbeing, answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, and even explore the properties of matter.

Anyone with an NYC Schools Account can access Parent University—once registered, parents, grandparents, and other family members or caregivers can register for everything the University has to offer, including workshops, live events, and training sessions regarding topics like:

• Remote Learning and Technology

• Financial Aid for College

• Health and Wellness

• Special Education

• Multilingual Learners

• Early Childhood Education

• Parent Leadership

• School Buildings and Operations

• Adult and Continuing Education

Courses are also available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic, and every day, we’re expanding our multilingual offerings to ensure that we reach every household.

Upcoming Webinars on Parent University

Check out some of our forthcoming course offerings on Parent University. We add about 10–15 new courses every week, so make sure you revisit Parent University’s Course Catalog page often for details about the latest opportunities we have available!

Learn about Work-Based Learning Programs for Students with Disabilities

Thursday, December 2, 2021
5:30 – 7 p.m.

The Manhattan Transition and College Access Center (TCAC) welcomes families of students with disabilities to this virtual workshop on work-based learning programs. This workshop will help families learn about the work-based learning programs that are available via the SPecial Education Office and identify the requirements for participation. Additionally, families will have an opportunity to explore strategies for disability disclosure and advocating for reasonable workplace accommodations.

Register for free on Parent University (NYCSA account required)

Self-Advocacy and Self-Determination Webinar

Thursday, December 16, 2021
5:30 – 7 p.m.

Families of students with disabilities are invited to this virtual workshop by the Manhattan Transition and College Access Center (TCAC) to discuss self-advocacy and self-determination. This workshop allows families to develop a robust understanding of the importance of self-advocacy and self-determination and how to use those skills to help their children with postsecondary life.

Register for free on Parent University (NYCSA account required)

Mindfulness for Parents (Virtual)

Every Tuesday and Thursday
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Mindfulness is emerging in public education based on 60 years of teachers, parents, and families discovering and utilizing these strategies of stress management, attentional focus, awareness, acceptance, and self-regulation to:

• Stay with and realize solutions to personal and public challenges and changes;

• Increase one’s capacity to notice and appreciate life in ways that support resilience;

• Support joyful learning and growth; and

• Develop critical thinking skills.

Join other City parents each Tuesday and Thursday and build community while harnessing the power of self-care and self-healing through the discovery of the conscious breath, meditation, and movement.

All New York City parents and family members are welcome to enroll—register online on Parent University.

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We hope you and your family will make Parent University a part of your lives just as thousands of others have over the past year! To learn more about Parent University, visit the program’s website, check out the University’s Course Catalog, and sign into your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) to gain full access to all program offerings.

Don’t have a NYCSA? Learn all about it by checking out our previous coverage right here on The Morning Bell.

On behalf of the NYC Department of Education, we wish all City families a rewarding experience on Parent University!

Banner photo by RODNAE Productions. Used under Creative Commons license. Original can be found on Pexels.