About

The Family Center is the early childhood and family resource component for the School District of Clayton. We opened our doors in 1975 out of a commitment to support the growth, development and well being of parents and children in our community. This public school program model of parenting and early childhood education has inspired many similar programs in the St. Louis area and throughout the country.

The Family Center provides programs for families with children from infancy through high school. Positive parent-child, parent-teacher and child-child relationships are the core of a healthy and productive family. Its programs are designed to support the growth and development of children and their families.

The Family Center is a place where families — children and parents — grow together and learn together. The Family Center staff believes that information and support can strengthen parents' skills, competence and sense of self-worth. This combination of skill and confidence promotes children's growth and development and fosters healthy families, which in turn enhances the community as a whole. Through involvement in the Family Center, families build connections with other families and with the District as a whole.

Nationally recognized for its parenting education and early childhood education programs, the Family Center offers a wide range of learning opportunities, including parenting consultations, short-term counseling and early childhood special education. Family Center classes are held in environments that welcome, encourage and nurture friendships and communication.

Beyond the early years, the Family Center’s programs support a child’s smooth transition to kindergarten and continue to support the parenting process throughout the years of a child’s attendance in Clayton’s schools.

Welcome to the Family Center!