International membership association representing more than 350 private, nonprofit child- and family-serving organizations. Alliance members serve more than 5 million individuals annually in more than 2,000 communities, providing a vast array of services ranging from residential care to domestic abuse prevention and intervention. The Alliance’s mission is to strengthen members’ capacity to serve and advocate for children, families, and communities.

California Department of Education 1430 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 319–0791

California PARENT Center 6310 Alvarado Court, San Diego, CA 92120-4902; (877) 9PARENT

The Center is intended to be both a personal and a cyber Educational and Cultural Resource Network providing parental assistance, information and educational resources, networking and training activities directed to parents who are, or will be, served by the 1,055 public school districts in California. The Center is attempting to utilize technology to build linkages between home and school, between children and adults, and between schools and other agencies.

California State PTA,930 Georgia Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (213) 620-1100; Fax (213) 620-1411.

Online resources, publications, positions on legislative issues and program ideas.

EdSource 4151 Middlefield Road, Suite 100, Palo Alto, CA 94303-4743; 650/857-9604.

National PTA 330 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60611-3690; (312) 670-6782; Fax (312) 670-6783.

Nationwide School Locator

The locator allows you to search for schools by state, or colony, and covers public and private schools, colleges and libraries.

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-0498; 1-800-872-5327

U. S. Department of Health and Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201; (202) 619-0257

The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

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Educators' Organizations

American Federation of Teachers 555 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 879-4400

The mission of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, is to improve the lives of our members and their families, to give voice to their legitimate professional, economic and social aspirations, to strengthen the institutions in which we work, to improve the quality of the services we provide, to bring together all members to assist and support one another and to promote democracy, human rights and freedom in our union, in our nation and throughout the world.

Association of American Educators 25201 Paseo de Alicia, Suite 104, Laguna Hills, CA 92653; (949) 595-7979

Our stated purpose is to encourage and empower teachers who embrace similar views on education in America--especially those who subscribe to the idea that education should aim to improve a young person's character as well as his or her intellect.

Association of California School Administrator 1517 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 444-3216; (916) 444-3739 Fax

Your involvement in the Association of California School Administrators demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and improvement in public education. ACSA is committed to meeting your needs with high quality member services and benefits.

California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA)

1121 L Street, Suite 510, Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 446-3095

(CCSESA) is comprised of the county superintendents of each of the 58 counties in California and their associated county offices. The county superintendent in California serves as an intermediary between the state and local school districts within each county. County superintendents and their offices help with implementation of programs, provide fiscal oversight, monitor teacher credentialing, supply curriculum support and training and help in other areas of interest to local districts.

California Federation of Teachers (CFT)

One Kaiser Plaza, Suite 1440, Oakland, CA 94612, (510) 832-8812 Fax: 510/832-5044

CFT positions on proposed legislation and other issues affecting teachers

California School Board Association

3100 Beacon Blvd., West Sacramento, CA 95691; (800) 266-3382 Fax: 916/371-3407

CSBA is a member-driven association that supports the governance team — school board members, superintendents and senior administrative staff — in its complex leadership role. We develop, communicate and advocate the perspective of California school districts and county offices of education.

California Teachers Association 1705 Murchison Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010; (650) 697-1400

Welcome to the California Teachers Association's online home. Here, you can learn about the organization that represents and serves more than 330,000 members - consisting of teachers and other education employees in the state's more than 1,000 school districts.

National Association of School Psychologists

4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 657-0270, Fax (301) 657-0275

National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) 1615 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 1-800-386-2377

The mission of NAESP is to lead in the advocacy and support for elementary and middle level principals and other education leaders in their commitment to all children. In carrying out that mission, we are mindful of two particularly striking findings of research: First, that children's early years in school are the most crucial to their future, not only in the classroom but indeed, in life. And second, that the key figure in assuring a top-quality school is the principal.

National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

1904 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1537; (703) 860-0200

Our mission is to promote excellence in school leadership. To this end, we provide our members with a wide variety of programs and services to assist them in: Administration, Supervision, Curriculum planning, and Effective staff development.

National School Boards Association, 1680 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Fosters excellence and equity in public elementary and secondary education through school board leadership. Supports school boards working in their communities.

Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)

3939 Thirteenth Street, P.O. Box 868, Riverside, CA 92502-0868 (951)

The Riverside County Office of Education is a service agency supporting the county's 23 school districts and linking them with the California Department of Education.

Small School Districts' Association (SSDA)

1130 K Street, Suite 260, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 444-9335 Fax: 916/441-4851

SSDA is an advocacy and support organization for small school districts in California.

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Communicating

National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM)

1527 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036-1206; (202) 667-9700

The purpose of the National Association for Community Mediation is to support the maintenance and growth of community-based mediation programs and processes, to present a compelling voice in appropriate policy-making, legislative, professional, and other arenas, and to encourage the development and sharing of resources for these efforts.

Volunteering

Corporation for National and Community Service 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20525; (202) 606-5000

The Corporation for National and Community Service engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to help strengthen communities.

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Parenting

General Parenting Resources

Center for the Improvement of Child Caring When children are effectively parented, they feel better about themselves and their abilities. They enter school excited and ready to learn. And, they are more likely to both achieve to their fullest potential at school and to make positive contributions to community life.

Educational Resource Information Center (ERIC)

Internet-based service providing education information to teachers, librarians, counselors, administrators, parents and anyone interested in education in the United States. Sixteen subject-specific clearinghouses and adjunct clearinghouses provide information on everything from adult education to urban education; childcare to international civic education.

Education World Good parent's resources in children's health, educational television programs, early childhood education, home schooling and family fun.

Family Education Network Articles, expert advice and discussions on parenting and education. The site makes it quick and easy to find what you need by grouping information according to the child's age. They cover a broad range of issues, including learning disabilities, technology in the classroom and college planning.

National Parent Information Network The NPIN Virtual Library is a good source for information on parenting issues.

Search Institute, 700 South Third Street, Suite 210, Minneapolis, MN 55415, 800-888-7828

Information on the 40 developmental assets, which are positive experiences, relationships, opportunities, and personal qualities young people need.

U.S. Dept. of Education Learning activities for your child.

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At-Risk Youth

San Diego CHOICE Program 4283 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92105-1254; (619) 594-2525

Provides a comprehensive array of services to at-risk youth which are designed to stabilize behavior, increase independence, self sufficiency and prevent out-of-home placements. These services are accomplished through intensive, community-based, family-centered interventions, which foster positive growth and empower the youth and their family.

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Child Care

Day Care: Choosing a Good Center What to look for in a day care center. Available in English and Spanish.

The Daily Parent Online newsletter offering information on child development issues, tips for finding quality childcare, and numerous resources for busy parents.

What Is Family Child Care? Family Child Care Providers are independent, self employed business people who have assumed one of society's most important responsibilities, that of caring for our youngest children.

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Child Development

California Department of Education, Child Development Division

1430 N Street, Suite 6308, Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 322-6233

Developmental Studies Center Child Development Project

2000 Embarcadero, Suite 305, Oakland CA 94606 (510) 533-0213 Fax: (510) 464-3670

Educational Testing Services Network ETS give you information on "Starting Points for Parents", succeeding in elementary and secondary school, and school transitions.

KidsGardening.org - helping young minds grow through nature

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Early Childhood Services

California Children and Families Commission 501 J Street, Suite 530, Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 323-0056

The California Children and Families Act of 1998 (also known as Prop 10) is designed to provide, on a community-by-community basis, all children prenatal to five years of age with a comprehensive, integrated system of early childhood development services. Through the integration of health care, quality childcare, parent education and effective intervention programs for families at risk, children and their parents and caregivers will be provided with the tools necessary to foster secure, healthy and loving attachments. These attachments will lay the emotional, physical and intellectual foundation for every child to enter school ready to learn and develop the potential to become productive, well-adjusted members of society.

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Entertainment

Kids In Mind Parents can preview movie clips and read informed reviews about the violent content of films. Kids-In-Mind reviews are objective, non-critical assessments of the potentially objectionable material contained in movies. Reviews written for parents.

Screen It! Created to give parents a way to access the content of popular entertainment their kids are exposed to. It is designed to allow Hollywood and Record Labels to continue to produce movies, videos and music while informing parents of the content in them.

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Family Literacy

Even Start The purpose of the Even Start Family Literacy Program is to help break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy by improving the educational opportunities for families. This is accomplished by integrating early childhood education, adult literacy and adult basic education, and parenting education into a unified literacy program. Even Start is implemented nationally through cooperative projects that build on existing community resources, creating a new range of services for children families and adults.

National Center for Family Literacy 325 West Main Street, Suite 300, Louisville, KY 40202-4237; (502) 584-1133

NCFL is recognized internationally as the leader in the field of family literacy, an innovative approach to meeting the educational needs of both children and their parents. By providing training for educators, researching effective practices, and raising public awareness, NCFL works to expand the learning opportunities for all families nationwide.

National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) 1775 I Street, NW; Suite 730, Washington, DC 20006-2401; (202) 233-2025

NIFL serves as a focal point for public and private activities that support the development of high-quality regional, state, and national literacy services. NIFL's goal is to ensure that all Americans with literacy needs have access to services that can help them gain the basic skills necessary for success in the workplace, family, and community in the 21st century.

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Health Education

California Healthy Kids Provides an expansive array of materials and services in an effort to keep California’s children healthy.

I AM YOUR CHILD National public awareness and engagement campaign created by the Reiner Foundation to help people understand the importance of new brain research and its implications for our children's lifelong healthy development.

Kid's Health After high school biology, you probably thought you'd never need another anatomy lesson again. But then you had kids, and suddenly you realize how helpful it is to know more about the systems of the body - especially what happens when they don't work properly. For a quick refresher course, check out the Body Basics articles in Kids Health's General Health section.

National Center for Health Education 72 Spring Street - Suite 208 New York NY 10012-4019 (212) 334-9470

National SAFE KIDS Campaign 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004 (202) 662-0600

Fax (202) 393-2072 Information on protecting children from unintentional injuries.

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Parent Centers and Home-School Partnerships

Home and School Institute 1201 26^th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036; 202/466-3633; Many publications available for parents; also has projects and conducts research dealing with home-school partnerships.

Parental Assistance Coordination Center (PACC)

8601 Georgia Avenue, Suite 601, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (888) 385-7222

Developed by McFarland & Associates, Inc., under the direction of The United States Department of Education to provide technical assistance to the Parental Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs) around the nation.

Parenting Young Children

National Association for the Education of Young Children 1834 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20009. A source of numerous excellent materials and publications, many of which are adaptable for older children.

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Substance Abuse Prevention

Council on Prevention & Education: Substances, Inc. (COPES)

845 Barret Avenue, Louisville KY 40204- (502) 583-6820 Fax: (502) 583-6832

National PTA "COMMON SENSE - Strategies for raising alcohol- and drug-free children."

The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC)

Promotes awareness of the dangers of inhalant abuse and helps parents identify if their child is at risk.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA)

A private non-profit, non-partisan coalition of professionals from the communications industry, whose mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in America through media communication.

These additional resources will help teachers and parents who want reliable information about alcohol and other drugs, including how to talk to kids about the dangers of illegal drug use:

www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov

projectknow.org

www.health.org

www.parentingisprevention.org

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Violence Prevention

California Department of Education, Safe Schools & Violence Prevention

660 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 323-2183

Connect for Kids

"Guidance for Grown-Ups". Valuable information and contacts for dealing with situations such as violence in schools.

Talking With Your Kids Parent tips and strategies for dealing with violence.

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Student Learning

California Department of Education Counseling and Student Support:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/pf/fy/ (Foster Youth Services)

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ai/ (Attendance Improvement)

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/cg/ (Counseling & Student Support)

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/cp/ (Crisis Preparedness)

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Academic Excellence

Core Knowledge Foundation 801 East High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902; (434) 977-7550

Dedicated to excellence and fairness in early education, the Foundation conducts research on curricula, develops books and other materials for parents and teachers, offers workshops for teachers, and serves as the hub of a growing network of Core Knowledge schools.

The Education Trust 1725 K St. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 293-1217

The Education Trust advances its mission along several fronts, from raising its voice in national and state policy debates to helping teachers improve instruction in their classrooms. The focus is on improving the education of all students, and particularly those students whom the system has traditionally left behind.

The Educator's Reference Desk builds on over a quarter century of experience providing high-quality resources and services to the education community. From the Information Institute of Syracuse, the people who created AskERIC, the Gateway to Educational Materials, and the Virtual Reference Desk, the Educator's Reference Desk brings you the resources you have come to depend on. 2,000+ lesson plans, 3,000+ links to online education information, and 200+ question archive responses

GreatSchools.net 965 Mission Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94103; (415) 977-0700, ext. 125

Nonprofit online guide to K-12 schools, the first Web site to bring an "Amazon.com" level of consumer friendliness to parents who are looking for school information.

Head Start 1651 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314; (703) 739-0875

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a private not-for profit membership organization representing more than 952,000 children, upwards of 180,000 staff and more than 2,400 Head Start programs in America. NHSA provides a national forum for the continued enhancement of Head Start services for poor children ages 0 through 5, and their families.

Just For The Kids 4030-2 West Braker Lane, Austin, TX 78759; (800) 762.4645

Just for the Kids identifies high-performing schools and investigates what they are doing to reach academic excellence. These schools are then compared to other schools serving similar student populations but with average performance. We conduct these studies and publish this information to provide a road map for improvement efforts across the nation.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)

Dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of mathematics, NCTM is a recognized leader in efforts to ensure an excellent mathematics education for all students and an opportunity for every mathematics teacher to grow professionally.

North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL)

1120 East Diehl Road, Suite 200, Naperville, Illinois 60563; (800) 356-2735

The North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping schools—and the students they serve—reach their full potential. We specialize in the educational applications of technology.

Teach For America 315 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018; (800) 832-1230

National corps of outstanding recent college graduates of all academic majors who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to expand opportunities for children.

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College Prep - Preschool to High School

College Express

Financial aid information at the "Parent's Corner", College Aid Calculator and a link to FAFSA Express (link to the federal financial aid forms).

College Parents of America Good resource for Parents of current or recent high school students. Sections on "money talks", budgets, financial aid, credit, and current issues.

Education World Information on college education.

Finaid! Step-by-step instructions and financial aid links for parents of future college students.

U.S. Dept. of Education Information about financial aid.

"Families Guide to the 1997 Tax Cuts for Education" (www.ed.gov/updates/97918tax)

from the U.S. Office of Post-secondary Education.

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Homework Helpers

Ask Dr. Math Search for the answers to your questions or ask for help at "send it to Dr. Math." (grades K - college)

Brainmania If you're really stumped, you can "ask a brain" and check your work. (grades 1- college)

Bruce J. Pinchbeck Jr. Links to 600 web sites, and the ability to ask a specific question online. (grades 6-8)

Pro-Quest K-12 Learning Solutions - Digital Teaching and Learning Solutions for K-12 schools and libraries

Infoplease (Homework Center) Search for a subject, get information on study skills and writing skills, or ask a question. It also has topics such as "World", "Biography", and "Society & Culture."

Internet Public Library Teen & youth sections, newspapers, magazines, online texts, references, and exhibits. (grades 1-12)

Schoolwork.ugh! Search this site for quotations, statistics, biographies, information on mythology, law, drugs, writing/citing, and other subjects. Includes an encyclopedia, dictionary, and maps. (grades 5-12)

Start Spot Network Subjects and a technology section according to grade level (grades 1-12).

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Reading

International Reading Association 800 Barksdale Road, P.O. box 8139, Newark, DE 19714. Has many brochures available for parents, including You Can Prepare Your Child for Reading Tests, You Can Encourage Your Child to Read, and Good Books Make Reading Fun for Your Child.

National Reading Panel 6100 Executive Boulevard, Room #4B05, Bethesda, MD 20892-7510; (301) 496-6591

This Web site is updated regularly with information about NRP publications and materials, as well as upcoming speaking engagements by Panel members. This site is also an archive, featuring the congressional charge to the NRP, biographies of NRP members, meeting minutes, and other historical information.

Southern California Comprehensive Assistance Center Provides support, training and assistance; integrates and coordinates programs and services; consults with the various No Child Left Behind (NCLB) stakeholders; and provides professional development services across NCLB initiatives. Significant support for reading initiatives.

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School Reform

California Department of Education Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration

The Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration (CSRD) Program is a school reform initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Competitive grants are awarded to successful local educational agencies in an amount up to $200 per student in each funded school, with a minimum allocation of $50,000 per school site.

WestEd Provides district and school administrators with the most current information and resources about CSRD, with a particular focus on the needs of schools in WestEd's four state regions of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

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School Success

Family Education Network Includes homework help, Parent and Teacher cooperation, home schooling, school safety, tests and grading, and educational trends.

US Dept of Education Institute of Education Sciences IES brings rigorous and relevant research, evaluation and statistics to our nation's education system.

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Special Needs - Learning Disabilities/Gifted Children

California Support for Families of Children with Disabilities (SFCD)

2601 Mission St. #710, San Francisco, CA 94110-3111; (415) 282-7494

SFCD is a parent-run San Francisco-based nonprofit organization which supports families of children with any kind of disability or special health care.

Disability Rights Education Defense Fund (DREDF) 2212 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710; (510) 644.2555

DREDF is a national law and policy center dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities through legislation, litigation, advocacy, technical assistance, and education and training of attorneys, advocates, persons with disabilities, and parents of children with disabilities.

Exceptional Family Support Education and Advocacy SEA Center 6402 Skyway, Paradise, CA 95969; (530) 876-8321

Formally known as the Exceptional Family Support, Education, and Advocacy Center. Provides caring, emotional support to parents of children with special needs.

Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) 4440 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93726; (559) 229-2000

GT World Online support community for parents of gifted and talented children.

Hogie's Gifted Education Page Contests and awards, internet investigations, and hot topics.

Homework Spot Information on dyslexia, ADD, and other learning disabilities.

Kid Source Online Articles about gifted and talented students.

LD Online Report The interactive guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and children.

Matrix 94 Galli Drive, Suite C, Novato, CA 94949; (415) 884-3535

Matrix is a private non-profit organization to support for families of children with special needs in the North Bay. Matrix provides services to families primarily in Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties.

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities State resources and parent guides.

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Test Scores

School Wise Press Information on standardized test scores, school rankings and educational issues. Articles on over 50 hot education topics. Links to education resource organizations and advocacy groups.

Star Testing Program This California Department of Education site is a comprehensive source of information about the STAR testing program, including test results, sample questions, and demographic comparisons. The California Reading List can also be accessed from this site.

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The Arts

Matisse for Kids: A Website from the Baltimore Museum of Art
Explore the 20th-century master’s bold, bright paintings. As you explore you’ll earn props, patterns, and colors to use in creating your own Matisse-inspired artwork.

The MusicEdge.Com
This site for teens is geared as a launching pad for the ambitions of tomorrow’s musicians.

Access Art: A Visual Arts Online Workshop
AccessArt is a valuable resource for teachers, gallery educators, and artists as well as a creative learning tool.

The Piano Education Page
Check out this resource for teachers, students, and parents of students that contains over 800 pages of free information, upgraded monthly.

National Gallery of Art Classroom for Teachers and Students
The National Gallery of Art provides web resources where teachers and students can connect art and curriculum.

Online Resource Center: Arts Education in the Public Schools
The National School Boards Association and Americans for the Arts provide resources for
arts advocacy, featuring the California State PTA and CAAE Community Arts Education Project.
http://ww3.americansforthearts.org/services/arts_education/resource_center/

Advocacy Resources on the SMARTS Website
This California State PTA website contains advocacy resources for parents and teachers.

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Advocacy

California Association for Bilingual Education 660 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1040, Los Angeles, CA 90017, (213) 532-3850
Fax: (213) 532-3860 E-mail: info@bilingualeducation.org

Information about bilingual education; conferences and newsletters.

California Department of Education, Migrant Education

Migratory youth--children, who change schools throughout the year, often crossing school district and state lines, to follow work in agriculture, fishing, dairies, or the logging industry--are among the neediest students in California. Since 1966, federal and state laws in California have recognized the unique educational challenges migrant students face. Current law provides support for educational programs and services that are designed to help students and their families overcome the obstacles of poverty and disrupted educational experiences.

California Legislative Information Details new developments within many legislative areas, including education. Terrific site for staying up-to-date on education reforms.

California School Employees Association (CSEA)

2045 Lundy Ave., P.O. Box 640, San Jose, CA 95106, (800) 632-2128, (408) 263-8000 Fax: 408/954-0948

CSEA positions on school finance and education issues.

California Teachers Association (CTA)

1750 Murchison Dr., P.O. Box 921, Burlingame, CA 94010, 650/697-1400 Fax: 650/552-5002

CTA positions on proposed legislation and other issues affecting teachers.

California Tomorrow 436 14th St., Suite 820, Oakland, CA 94612, 510/496-0220

Publications, symposia and demographic data.

California School Nurses Association (CSNO) 926 J Street, Suite 816, Sacramento, CA 95814; (888) 268-CSNO

Professional development, legislative advocacy, communication with members, membership recruitment, public relations, governance and leadership development.

Chicano Federation of San Diego County

610 22nd Street, San Diego, CA 92102; (619) 236-1228 P.O. Box 620116, San Diego, CA 92162

Our mission is to promote the self-sufficiency of San Diego County residents by building partnerships and providing education, economic development, advocacy, housing and social service programs.

Edsource