Policy
SFEC Funding
Since 2018, a total of 24 state organizations have received Statewide Family Engagement Center grant funding from the US Department of Education. Currently, 20 states are funded through two funding cycles ending in 2027 and 2028. No new Centers can be established without additional funding. This means 41.7 million K-12 students and their families are unable to benefit from enhanced engagement supports and services provided by SFECs unless Congress provides more funding. Scroll down to learn about actions that have been taken in prior years to sustain this funding.
Advocacy for Federal Funding of Family Engagement & Family Literacy
ESSER Fund
Congress has allocated more than $180 billion to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund since Dec. 27, 2020. These allotments resulted from: the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (ESSER Fund, $13.2 billion); the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSA), (ESSER II Fund, $54.3 billion); and, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act (ARP ESSER, $122 billion).
NCFL Family Day of Action
The National Center for Families Learning’s (NCFL) Family Day of Action connected parents and caretakers with educational leaders on June 10, 2021 to look at specific ways to communicate with state and district officials to advocate for funding programs in their communities.
View the recording to learn how to advocate for funding in your community.
View the accompanying Planning Guide in English and Spanish.
Statewide efforts
ARP ESSER State Plan Applications were due on June 7, 2021. These states have submitted plans so far. Click on the links below to see individualized efforts by states with Statewide Family Engagement Centers.
Latest information
State education agencies (SEAs) can refer to these resources for the latest information on goals and deadlines for the ARP ESSER.
Federal Technical Assistance and Resource Centers Available to SFECs
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Technical Assistance Network
OSEP funds more than 50 centers to provide a diverse range of services and supports to special education stakeholders. These centers provide technical assistance services to families, schools, districts and states. Find an OSEP TA Center.
Equity Centers
The Department of Education funds Equity Assistance Centers under Title IV of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. These centers provide assistance in the areas of race, gender, national origin and religion to public school districts to promote equal educational opportunities. Find an Equity Center.
Comprehensive Centers
Department of Education-funded Comprehensive Centers create a network of region-specific centers that provide technical assistance to their state education departments and national content centers that work through the regional centers to provide expertise in high-priority content areas. Find a Comprehensive Center.
Regional Education Laboratories
Department of Education Regional Educational Laboratories conduct applied research and trainings with a mission of supporting a more evidence-based education system. Find a Regional Education Laboratory.
Self-Advocacy (Employment)
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services’ Rehabilitation Services Administration funds the National Resources for Advocacy, Independence, Self-determination and Employment (RAISE) Technical Assistance Center. Visit the RAISE Center.
Learn More & Take Action
The SFEC Network regularly shares important updates and opportunities related to policy centered around family engagement. Sign up to learn more and take action.
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