The Parent Sanctuary and Lending Library was created in 2015 and offers resources for FISD parents and educators, according to a district news release. The library underwent renovations, receiving new paint and furniture as well as new books, sensory items and teaching tools. A grand reopening for the library is scheduled for Feb. 28.
About the program
The library was created by FISD’s special education department to help parents who were confused or felt alone after receiving their child’s diagnosis, the release states.
“Those things clicked, and we recognized that families need a place to connect for support after diagnosis,” said Kimberly Goushey, lead in-home and parent trainer, in the release. “Curating a thoughtful selection of resources for families and staff to borrow and explore has been a wonderful way to extend learning and create community.”
The library offers books related to general parenting and parenting children with disabilities, children’s books about disabilities, and books for various diagnoses. It also has books on sensory and behavior strategies, social skills, raising gifted children, and research, the release states.
Sensory items, games, manipulatives and self-care items are also available in the library.
The Parent Sanctuary and Lending Library is located at the district’s Early Childhood School and is open Fridays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The library is accessible by any FISD employee or parent, regardless of special education eligibility, the release states. No appointments or referrals are needed.
More details
On average, about 10% of FISD's student population have been classified as special education in the last five school years, according to data from the Texas Education Agency.
