In the spring of 1995, during the Planning Phase of Meriden's Children First Initiative, an assessment package was developed and distributed by CFI. The package consisted of: a parent survey, a service provider survey, and a parent focus group. Collaborative members, including parents, worked on the assessment packet. One of the concepts that emerged from this diligent effort was the Parent Information Bureau (PIB).

The community assessment found that many families were not aware of resources and services available in the community. One of Meriden CFI's goals became to improve access to existing programs.

Many parents had limited access to school information or playgroups if they were not "connected" with their child into some type of program. And often, even with a connection, the information parents received at a particular program pertained to that program only. The idea of a "clearinghouse or resource center" was discussed to build awareness, save time and avoid duplication. The result was the establishment of a Parent Information Bureau. The Bureau would be a centralized location easily accessible to parents where newsletters, flyers and other information from local and state social service agencies and organizations could be housed.

The new CFI facilitator investigated the feasibility of a location for the Bureau. The Meriden Public Library offered space within the Literacy Volunteer Program. Not only was the library accessible to parents, it was also the site of the CFI offices. The facilitator was in charge of designing the space and locating equipment and materials. A Parent Information Advisory Committee was formed to take ownership of the program as collaborative members and provide direction.

Outreach to the community, and especially parents, was a critical next step. Parent Information Bureau flyers were developed, and 7000 were distributed between late 1996 and early 1997. The information was also placed on RAVE, a local cable channel listing community events. Collaborative members were continually advised of progress and served as conduits of information to parents.

A very successful Open House was held in the fall of 1997. The Mayor and Superintendent of Schools spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Initially, parents and community members could easily locate the PIB by "footprints" placed on the rug from the Library's front door to the PIB.

The Parent Information Bureau space was offered in-kind by the Meriden Public Library. Some money for the PIB was a budget line item from the Graustein implementation grant. Other resources came from cash or in-kind donations.

Logs of bureau visitors were kept on the date of visit, visitor's name, address, phone number, information requested, and follow-up action taken. Phone calls requesting information were noted, and volunteer hours were recorded. In addition, the Parent Information Bureau developed and distributed a newsletter and produced an Early Childhood Directory.

The Parent Information Bureau was relatively easy to maintain. The community brought notices, newsletters and information. Agencies and community programs used the Bureau to disseminate information on programs and events to those parents they did not have direct contact with. The Bureau also made members and agencies aware of other events in the community.

Consistency was often a problem because volunteers, particularly high school students who needed to do community service, were used to decorate the space and maintain current information. Ultimate-ly, the staff made sure the Parent Information Bureau was attractive and up-to-date.

In 1999, the Parent Information Bureau became the responsibility of the Children's Room of the Meriden Public Library, allowing for more visibility. A large table just outside the Children's Library displays all the PIB material and information. The Library is now responsible for maintaining all materials.

The initial set up was time-consuming yet exciting. There were no real issues of concern or challenges once initial maintenance was organized and operational strategies were in place.

The community worked in partnership to address the issue of access to information for the parents. The parents became more aware of the many resources in the community and choices for parent-child involvement. Collaborative members problem-solved in partnership. People were made aware of the goals of Children First. They learned that the Bureau was not simply a program but an initiative for community and parent engagement on early children's issues and a vehicle for change so that children would have more success in educational and life outcomes.

Meriden Public Library, (203) 238-2344