Back to School Supports for Families
August marks the beginning of the school year for most St. Louis students. This month, we’d like to share some local resources that might come in handy as families navigate the 2025-26 academic year.
- Children’s Legal Alliance Program at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: This program is designed to assist parents in advocating for their children’s educational needs. They help parents access special education services via IEPs or 504 plans, advocate for better services if current services are not working, appeal suspensions or expulsions, arrange schooling for suspended/expelled children, and enroll homeless children in school.
- Brainfuse HelpNow: through St. Louis County Public Library. HelpNow offers free, live, virtual tutoring for K-12 and adult learners between 2pm and 11pm. Flashcards, test prep materials, and study tools are also available. BrainFuse HelpNow is also available through St. Louis Public Library.
- Navigate STL Schools: This nonprofit organization helps families compare local schools to find the best one to meet their child’s needs. They also offer free workshops for parents on a range of educational topics, such as understanding school assessments, helping with homework, and supporting children to become better readers.
- Afterschool ReFuel through Operation Food Search: This program offers free “super snacks” (after-school meals including fruit, veggies, proteins, dairy, and whole grains in every meal) at locations throughout the St. Lois region. These meals help kids stay nourished and focused throughout the afternoon and evening. Meals are also available during school breaks.
- St. Louis Area Diaper Bank: Free menstrual cycle supplies are available at several local locations.
- Educational Advocacy through Foster Care and Adoptive Coalition: This program provides children in foster or kinship care with educational advocates who can help them navigate educational systems to ensure they are on a path of academic achievement.
Please remember, when you refer families to us for participation in Project CONTACT, they will work with a Family Engagement Specialist who will help them identify additional resources that fit their needs.