This video is the latest "Complete Education Guide for Immigrant Families,"
made for parents preparing to bring their children to school in the U.S., international students and new immigrants.
From choosing a school district to registering for classes, school safety, ESL, childcare, transit cards and what a student ID can do...
everything you need to know is in this video.
1️⃣ Overview of the U.S. education system: K–12, school districts, enrollment
You'll learn:
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What's the difference between public and private schools?
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How do you choose a school district?
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What are a Boundary and an Attendance Zone?
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How do you register your child at a local school?
2️⃣ The question immigrant parents ask most: what documents does my child need to enroll?
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I-94 / Passport
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Proof of Address
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Vaccination records
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Emergency Contact
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Previous School Records
3️⃣ How do you sign up for ESL (English as a Second Language) classes? What's the difference between free and paid?
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Which school districts offer free ESL?
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How is a student's ESL placement test arranged?
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Where can you find English classes for adults? (Adult School, Library, Nonprofits)
4️⃣ The complete guide to U.S. school safety (a must-read for parents)
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School alert systems (Lockdown / Shelter in Place)
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School safety drills
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How parents and children can protect themselves
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Which school areas are safer?
5️⃣ What a student ID (Student ID) can do, plus really useful discounts
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A student ID can serve as a second form of ID
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Discounts on apps, restaurants, transit and museums
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How do you apply for student fares on public transit?
6️⃣ Getting your child to and from school: school buses, transit cards, Metro/Clipper
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How to apply for the school bus
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Transportation assistance available for children
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How do you get a transit card in a big city?
7️⃣ All the on-campus resources: counseling center, writing center, language center
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International Office
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Tutoring Center
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Writing Center
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Mental Health Counseling
(Lifesaving resources every international student needs to know)
8️⃣ 10 strategies for communicating with teachers (a must-read for new immigrants)
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How can you help the teacher understand your child's background?
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How can you improve communication across the language barrier?
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How do you keep track of your child's progress?
9️⃣ How do you choose childcare and after-school care (After School) in the U.S.?
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The difference between Daycare and Preschool
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Safety and cost of after-school programs
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How do you handle a waiting list (Waiting List)?
🔟 U.S. school holidays explained: how to read the district calendar
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Spring Break, Winter Break
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Teacher Planning Day
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What is a Minimum Day?
1️⃣1️⃣ Community colleges and online courses: free tools for learning English and skills
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Adult School
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ESL
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College Extension
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LinkedIn Learning / Coursera / EdX
1️⃣2️⃣ A must for parents: set up a 529 education savings plan for your child
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The tax advantages of a 529
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When is the best time to start?
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How can the money be used?
1️⃣3️⃣ Key U.S. education terms, all in one place
GPA, Major, Minor, Elective, Counselor, Pass/No Pass, AP, Honors...
Parents and students will get them right away.
📘 More tools | More complete guides to U.S. education, school districts and studying abroad
📌 New immigrant 30/100-day checklist
📌 School application forms and parent note sheets
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