The expanded programs are designed by educators to complement or enhance academic areas. The programs are geared to different ages, from Head Start for children zero to three- years old, to adult education. Parenting classes are not focused exclusively on mothers, but also on fathers and other adult figures that are important in the child's life. Therefore, the schools make efforts to integrate their senior population into their activities. Adults and older youth have important roles as mentors for younger children.
Families enjoy coming to school to meet friends and chat over a cup of coffee.
Initially, the presence of so many families within the school without a clear function threatened the teachers and other professionals, but they got used to them. Conclusion Dryfoos argues that schools can not limit themselves to focusing only on curriculum and testing. They have to address hunger, teenage pregnancy, violence and many other problems. But they cannot do it alone. Bringing in community agencies to provide human services is necessary to change the whole culture of education and the relationships between schools and community.