Why Family Resource Centers Matter
Children need stability in their lives at home in order to do their best at school. Research has shown that academic resources alone cannot compensate when children have unmet basic needs or their families are in crisis. Low-income students are more likely to experience family instability, with accompanying emotional, mental, and physical health barriers to learning. When a school district partners with its local Family Resource Center, they can tap into an array of resources and supports for students and their families, addressing the root of students’ struggles to facilitate lasting personal and academic growth. This chapter of “Student Supports: Getting the Most out of Your LCFF Investment” details how schools can partner with their local Family Resource Centers to support progress on the LCFF priorities.