Madera Unified launches new parent resource website with videos in multiple languages

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) — Parent Resource Centers in the Madera Unified School District have been working hard to support families.

Free courses are offered for parents to learn English as a second language or computer skills.

Now the PRC is expanding the reach of its website for parents across all devices.

“What we’re really excited about is that it’s mobile-friendly,” said Elia Medina, director of Community Services and Parent Resource Centers.

Medina says they know many parents access the site on their phones, so the change was necessary.

Now they’ve also made it easier for parents to learn important district information through Parent Champion Videos.

“It’s a tool for our parents to be more aware of how to get involved, participate in decision-making meetings and be aware of the resources we have available to them,” Medina said.

Videos cover topics such as parent-teacher conferences, the parent handbook, and details about the parent resource center.

The videos are offered in four different languages: English, Spanish, Punjabi and Mixtec, as Madera has the largest Oaxacan population outside of Mexico.

Julia De Jesus has a daughter in the district.

She speaks Mixtec and Spanish and says having the videos in her native language was very helpful.

“At first I ignored it. Now that I saw it, I realized how important it was to help parents understand how their children are doing in school,” said De Jesus.

Now she shares it with other parents.

“Parents shouldn’t be afraid. Come and ask questions, come and ask how your child is doing. Come to the office, talk to the principals so they can help answer and explain your questions,” De Jesus said.

Medina says the videos are less than three minutes each and aim to make parents feel better and encourage them to participate in the decision-making process.

“The idea is that they feel safe coming on site, attending these meetings and just feeling welcome and valued. That their feedback is extremely valued,” Medina said.

The PRC hopes the easily accessible videos in multiple languages ​​will help reach more parents in the district.

“Ultimately, we want our parents to feel like true partners in their children’s education. That’s why we provide them with tools like this that they can access,” Medina said.

The Parent Resource Center is still working on a program where parents can earn a certificate for completing courses.

All information about the PRC, including videos, can be found by clicking here.

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