Roundtable Discussions: Let’s Talk about Transitions!
About Friday Café
Friday Café is a signature professional learning series hosted by the Connecticut Statewide Family Engagement Center (CT SFEC), designed to bring together educators, family engagement professionals, and community partners in a collaborative, welcoming environment.
Now in its 10th year (2025–2026), Friday Café creates space for meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and the exchange of high-impact strategies that strengthen family-school-community partnerships across Connecticut.
Why “CAFÉ”?
CAFÉ stands for Community and Family Engagement, which is the heart of this work.
Each session is intentionally designed to build relationships, elevate promising practices, and create space for authentic collaboration across Connecticut.
Mission & Goals:
- Strengthen Community and Family Engagement practices statewide
- Build strong, trusting relationships between families, schools, and communities
- Elevate promising practices in family engagement statewide
- Strengthen educator capacity through shared learning and collaboration
- Promote equitable, inclusive, and welcoming school environments
- Center student success through authentic family partnership
What You Can Expect
The CAFÉ Framework
CAFÉ stands for Community and Family Engagement and reflects the four core pillars that guide every session:
C – Community Connections
Building strong partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations to support student success.
A – Authentic Relationships
Fostering trust, belonging, and meaningful engagement with families as true partners in education.
F – Family Voice & Leadership
Elevating family perspectives and creating opportunities for shared decision-making and leadership.
E – Equitable Practices
Advancing inclusive, culturally responsive strategies that ensure all families are welcomed, valued, and supported.
Each Friday Café session is intentionally designed to reflect these pillars and strengthen family engagement practices across Connecticut.
Directions & Parking
The Milne Center is located adjacent to the Aquarium. Drive past the main gate of the Aquarium to the auxiliary, gravel parking lot, where you will see a large building with multiple windows.
Parking is available in front of the Milne Center (click to enlarge photo).
