Kentucky Department of Education Associate Commissioner Kelly Foster, right, joins members of the Prichard Committee as Gov. Andy Beshear signs a proclamation declaring Nov. 17-21 Family Engagement in Education Week in Kentucky. Photo by Myles Young, Kentucky Department of Education, Nov. 13, 2025
(FRANKFORT, KY) – The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has launched the Parent and Family Connection Hub during Kentucky Family and Community Engagement in Education Week, Nov. 17 -21, 2025.
The Parent and Family Connection Hub was developed in response to the Family Partnership Council’s recommendations to KDE. The Family Partnership Council is comprised of parents from across Kentucky who serve in an advisory role to KDE on topics of interest and ways that families and communities can assist schools in ensuring achievement levels for all students are increased. This council recommended the creation of a resource aimed to support parents and families by providing easy access to age-appropriate strategies, along with ways for families to be more actively engaged and effective in supporting their child’s success.
Designed as a one-stop destination for families and parents, the Parent and Family Connection Hub provides easy access for parents and families to locate resources and information of interest from KDE’s homepage. This new resource includes KDE news releases and legislative updates, making it easier for parents and families to locate this type of information.
Key features of the Parent and Family Connection Hub include:
- Helping Your Child Succeed Academically
- Support for Diverse Needs
- Wellness and Whole Child Supports
“Through the work of this dedicated group, the need for an easier way for parents and families to access educational information was brought to light,” said Marsha VanHook, chair of the Family Partnership Council. “We are excited to bring this idea to fruition. The Parent and Family Connection Hub is intended to make it much easier for parents and families with a diverse range of needs find the resources that empower them to engage in more meaningful ways. It offers guidance and strategies no matter the age, so families feel better equipped to support their child’s academic success.”
Kentucky Family and Community Engagement in Education Week was launched by The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence in November 2021, when Gov. Andy Beshear signed the first proclamation designating this week to honor the role of families and communities as essential partners in improving education outcomes for all students. Members of the Prichard Committee and KDE Associate Commissioner Kelly Foster joined Beshear for a proclamation signing on Nov. 13 to mark this year’s event.
This week also recognizes those schools and early learning centers that have earned Family Friendly School Certification. Each has completed a process that demonstrates a strong commitment to working with families as essential partners in the educational process. To date, 104 schools and early learning centers in Kentucky have received this certification.
To celebrate Kentucky Family and Community Engagement in Education Week, KDE will highlight a different parent/family resource each day, beginning with today’s launch of the Parent and Family Engagement Hub. Other resources that will be featured this week include how to get involved and attendance, how to help children academically across the grade levels, Infinite Campus as a way for parents and families to stay informed about a child’s academic progress and resources for the Whole Child, including physical and mental wellness.
KDE is looking forward to people across the state joining us in celebration of Kentucky Family and Community Engagement in Education Week and the continued growth of this new resource as part of KDE’s commitment to enhancing family engagement across the Commonwealth. Follow us on social media to learn more about these resources.
Go to Top