Parent Support Circles
Supporting staff and strengthening SDE Communities by empowering parents
Reducing staff burden and strengthening community with Parent Support Circles
Creating a sustainable, thriving self-directed learning environment requires not only the dedication of facilitators but also the active support of parents.
At Radical Learning, we’ve designed Parent Support Circles to meet this exact need: a monthly ongoing live practice group that deepens parents’ understanding of self-directed learning principles and equips them to support their young people effectively.
Parent Support Circles: An investment in your community
By bringing Radical Learning’s Parent Support Circles into your community, you’re offering more than just a program: you’re creating a foundation for a more sustainable, cohesive, and thriving learning environment.
This is an opportunity to align parents, staff, and learners with your center’s values, all with the support of Sari & Becka of Radical Learning to guide the way.
What are the benefits for parents?
They walk away with a deeper understanding of their kids’ needs, and develop tools that support their learning, autonomy and agency.
Parents Support Circles aren’t just about supporting parents to gain tools. They’re about creating lasting transformation for your learning community.
FAQ
-
How do Parent Support Circles benefit your learning community?
It eases staff workload and reduces burnout by allowing your facilitators to focus fully on the learners, creating a more balanced and sustainable work environment.
It facilitates a shift from conventional models by helping parents unlearn conventional mindsets and align with your philosophy, fostering a supportive community that shares your vision.
It enhances community engagement and trust by creating a sense of shared purpose by equipping parents with skills like active listening and relationship-centered support.
It supports a diverse and inclusive learning environment by empowering parents to contribute to a culture that celebrates all learning styles and fosters respect for individual needs.
-
How is the program structured?
Each session is dynamic, interactive, and structured around specific topics that address the most pressing concerns. Using tools like reflective prompts, small group discussions, and practice exercises, we create a space where parents can learn, connect, and grow.
The core challenges we address:
Transitioning to SDE: Understanding and navigating learning outside of the conventional school system.
Building communication without power struggles: Building strong connections without conflict or power struggles.
Creating intentional culture: Crafting a thriving, relational community in the family and learning space.
A pathway to the SDE Youth Rights Accreditation
The Parent Support Circles offer a pathway to the Self-Directed Education (SDE) Youth Rights Accreditation—an international recognition for educational spaces that champion human rights, with a focus on the rights of young people.
SDE centers can apply for accreditation for their space, while facilitators and parents can apply individually. When parents pursue accreditation, they deepen their understanding of youth rights and self-directed education, strengthening their ability to support both their own children and the SDE communities they are part of. This collective commitment reinforces the sustainability and recognition of youth-centered learning environments.
Interested in pursuing accreditation? Read more here.
A yearly subscription
Enrollment provides every and all parents from your community access to 9 transformative sessions throughout the year. There is no limit to the number of parents who can participate from your organization.
-
Enroll now
$2,500.00 / year
Regular price
Testimonials
“This program has been such a game-changer for us. Parents now understand what self-directed education actually looks like, and they’ve become real allies in creating the kind of space we want for the kids.”
“Before this program, we’d spend so much time trying to get parents to let go of traditional ideas about education. Now, they come into conversations more open-minded and ready to work with us instead of against us. It’s been amazing.”
“Parent Support Circles has been exactly what we needed. It’s helped parents feel more confident about their choices and more supportive of our team. The whole community feels more connected and on the same page now.”
“Having this program in place has made everything easier for our staff. Parents are showing up with a better understanding of what their kids need, and it’s allowed us to focus more on the kids and less on explaining everything to parents.”
“We didn’t realize how much we needed something like Parent Support Circles until we started. It’s brought so much clarity and trust to the relationships between parents, staff, and kids. We finally feel like we’re all working together.”
