The Mount Vernon School District is not quite a full week into the new school year, but there are already big changes happening.

In addition to a new superintendent and updated security measures, the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy held a grand opening today for its new Parent Resource Center.

School officials say the center is designed to be a home base where parents, guardians and families can go for support and assistance in the education of their children.

But it's not just about helping with school related matters. At the center, staff can also assist with issues such as helping find child care placement or assistance with food and home insecurities by linking up with the Department of Social Services and local food pantries.

There's even help with mental health and wellness. For example, the center can help parents learn how to recognize substance abuse in children or provide information on crisis prevention with what to do and who to call. There are workshops for parents focusing on everything from nutrition to how to put together a resume.

School Superintendent Dr. Waveline Bennett-Conroy says she wants to form a partnership with parents and want them to be more engage. "It's all about how we can make sure there are no barriers for our families.”

“We really want this to be a home base for parents to come in to make sure they have their resources to support you in any kind of way that you need," adds says Erica Peterson, director.

Officials say a child who isn't thriving at home is not going to thrive in school. "Healthy parents have healthy children, so here we are striving to offer our parents a great variety of programs," says Daveda James, parent liaison.

"We have four kids at home, any support we can get, oh my gosh, it's great!" says parent Lotoya Anderson. "It's hard to be a parent. There's so much going on with school, outside of school and the resource center is going to help parents navigate all of life," says parent Ben Kochanski.

The Parent Resource Center will be open Monday through Friday during the day but will add some evenings and weekends.