Lehighton Area Elementary Center is launching a new monthly educational program called “Parent University” designed to support parents of students in grades K-5, according to program documentation and promotional materials.

The initiative, which begins tonight, aims to provide parents with practical knowledge and skills to better support their children’s learning, development and overall well-being.

Sessions will be held monthly throughout the summer from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the elementary center.

According to the program description, Parent University “aims to empower parents with the knowledge and skills to support their children’s learning, development, and overall well-being.” The program represents what organizers describe as a “grassroots” approach to parent engagement.

“It’s a program set for parents at the elementary center where we can share information with them on different topics such as how to deal with anxiety, how to help build schedules for your kids, how to help with homework and ... (other) different ideas,” Elementary Center Principal Aaron Sebelin said.

The program will feature a diverse panel of school staff members, including teachers, paraprofessionals and a school social worker. Topics planned for the summer sessions include dealing with anxiety, healthy living styles, summer activities and local resources, among others.

One unique aspect of the program, Sebelin added, is its emphasis on creating a focused learning environment for parents. Organizers plan to ask all participants to put their phones away for the two-hour sessions, encouraging full engagement with the material and discussions.

“Free child care will be available for children of all ages, supervised by school staff members,” Sebelin said. “We’re going to have some food as well.”

The program structure will allow parents and guardians to “converse with our staff, enjoy presentations, and collaborate with other parents sharing similar experiences,” according to program materials.

The funding for Parent University represents a strategic reallocation of resources originally designated for a different purpose. Money that was initially earmarked to send a couple of parents to a conference in the western part of the state has been redirected to support this local program.

“That opportunity would have been reduced to maybe two or three families,” Superintendent Jason Moser said. “This will have a broader impact, reaching more families within the district rather than benefiting just a few.

Following the inaugural session tonight, additional sessions are scheduled for June 25, July 30 and Aug. 13, all following the same 5:30-7:30 p.m. time frame.

Parents with questions about Parent University can contact Sebelin at 610-377-7880 or via email at asebelin@lehighton.org. Lehighton Elementary Center is located at 3 Indian Lane, Lehighton.