Premiered November 17, 2005

When you think of a child's success in school, what comes to mind? A great school… your child's teachers… the quality of books or supplies or extra activities and events?The truth lies somewhere else, somewhere close to home. Parents - a relatively untapped resource in the education equation - are a powerful influence for helping children succeed and helping to close the gap we see in achievement from child to child and school to school. Today, schools need families more than ever. Research shows that when parents encourage and support what their kids do at school, kids not only become better students, they become more successful human beings.

Using powerful stories from across New York State, WNED and EPIC-Every Person Influences Children present TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE. This 60 minute documentary guides parents on how to become meaningful advocates in their child’s education. Discussion with families, educators and parenting experts provide practical advice and inspiration for families and schools to work together as partners.

Sonia Manzano, popularly known as “Maria” from SESAME STREET, is proud to be the host of TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE. “Many parents believe once they deliver their children to school, their jobs are over,” Manzano said. “Getting and staying involved in our own children’s education should be one of our top priorities.”

Real-life success stories featured in the show come from across New York State: a big city view from the Theodore Schoenfeld, Bronx PS #110; an urban look at education in Buffalo Community School #53; and a rural school in the small town of Ripley, New York.

Program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement.
Special thanks to The John R. Oishei Foundation and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

For additional information and resources, CLICK HERE.