Family Welcome Center

Registration Support Events

The Family Welcome Center will host registration support events during the PreK lottery application window to assist caregivers with completing the registration process, uploading documents, and navigating SchoolMint.

During the summer, the Family Welcome Center will also offer dedicated support hours for caregivers registering students in grades K–12 for the upcoming school year.

Additional registration information, required documents, and enrollment resources are available on the Register Your Student page.

English Language Screening and Support

Multilingual learners are an important part of the Taunton Public Schools community. Federal and state regulations require schools to identify students who may qualify for English language support services so they can receive appropriate instructional support.

During the registration process, all caregivers complete a Home Language Survey. If a language other than English is spoken at home, the student may be scheduled for an English language screening through the Multilingual Learner Department.

Students in grades K–12 are assessed using the WIDA Screener, which measures English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Preschool students complete the Preschool Language Screener, which includes age-appropriate questions and activities in English.

If a student was previously screened in another district or state, available proficiency information may be transferred and reviewed by the district.

The Multilingual Learner Department will contact caregivers directly to schedule any required screenings. Screening results help determine whether a student qualifies for English language support services and assist the district in identifying the most appropriate instructional placement and supports.

Important Terms

• ML (Multilingual Learner): A student who speaks more than one language.
• EL (English Learner): A student who qualifies for and currently receives English as a Second Language (ESL) support services.
• FEL (Former English Learner): A student who previously received ESL support services and has reached English proficiency.
• FLNE (First Language Not English): A student who grew up speaking another language or speaks a language other than English at home, but is proficient in English.

Support for Students in Temporary Housing

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness or temporary housing instability.

Taunton Public Schools works to help students experiencing housing challenges remain connected to school and access the support and services they may need.

The district’s McKinney-Vento team can assist caregivers and students with:

• School enrollment and registration
• Transportation assistance
• Clothing and basic hygiene items
• Access to food pantries and community resources
• Connections to local support agencies

The McKinney-Vento support team includes Community Facilitator Lynn Farinha, bilingual community facilitators, and Administrative Assistant Cheryl Lyons under the supervision of Director of Student Services Stephanie Hoye.

Caregivers experiencing homelessness or temporary housing instability are encouraged to contact their student’s principal or school counselor to begin services and supports.

Health and Community Support Services

The Family Welcome Center helps connect caregivers and students with healthcare services, community resources, and support programs available in Taunton Public Schools and throughout the community.

Our team can assist caregivers with:

• Accessing healthcare and community resources
• Immunization and physical exam support
• Health insurance navigation and enrollment assistance
• Completing forms and paperwork
• Referrals to local agencies and support programs

The Family Welcome Center works closely with Manet Community Health at Taunton Public Schools, the school-based health center located at Parker Middle School.

Manet at TPS provides services for school-aged children and families, including:

• Primary care services
• Same-day sick and urgent care visits
• Annual physicals and health assessments
• Immunizations
• Mental health counseling and referrals
• Lab testing and screenings
• Oral health and vision evaluations
• Health education and disease prevention
• Care coordination and specialty referrals
• Telehealth appointments
• Health insurance enrollment assistance
• Connections to additional community resources

The Family Welcome Center and Manet at TPS work together to help students access the care and support they need to fully participate in school.

Community Facilitators are assigned to schools across the district. Use the Find Your Facilitator table to find the facilitator connected to your student’s school.