Support for Parents in South Los Angeles
CADRE is here for you.
You are not alone – and you don't have to figure this out by yourself.
CADRE offers free parent support in South Los Angeles for families navigating school discipline, IEPs, and their rights in LAUSD.
- If you want to be more involved in your child’s education but don’t know where to start…
- If your child was suspended or sent home from school…
- If you’ve been called about your child’s behavior…
- If you left a school meeting feeling confused, dismissed, or unheard…
- If you’re trying to understand an IEP, your parental rights, or a school decision affecting your child…
CADRE is a parent-led organization rooted in South Los Angeles, offering parent support to families navigating the LAUSD system and local charter schools. We work alongside Black and Brown/Latino parents to help them understand their rights, prepare for school meetings, and build the confidence and collective power to advocate for their children.
For over 25 years, CADRE has worked to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by building parent power in South Los Angeles. We believe that when parents are informed, organized, and supported, they become the most powerful advocates in the room — and in the system.
We believe every family deserves:
- Dignity
- Education
- A real voice in decisions that affect their children.
And we know from experience: parents have power.
When School Discipline or Decisions Don't Feel Right
Parents come to CADRE every day with questions like:
- What do I do if my child has been suspended from school?
- How can I address unfair school discipline in LAUSD?
- Is my child being treated fairly?
- What are my rights as a parent at an LAUSD or charter school?
- How do I prepare for a school meeting or IEP?
- What can I do when the school won’t listen?
If these questions sound familiar, support is available.
Your Rights as a Parent
As a parent or caregiver in LAUSD, you have the right to:
- Clear information about what happened and why
- Access to your child’s school records
- Meaningful participation in all school meetings
- Ask questions and receive real, honest answers
- Advocate for fair treatment and appropriate support for your child
- Observe your child’s classroom
California state law and LAUSD policy protect your rights as a parent. CADRE can help you understand and exercise those rights — in English or Spanish.
CADRE helps parents walk into these situations prepared, confident, and supported.
How CADRE Supports Parents
CADRE builds parent leadership and community power in South Los Angeles. Through our programs and organizing, parents can:
- Learn how school discipline policies work — and how to navigate them
- Prepare strategically for school meetings and difficult conversations
- Get support through suspension, expulsion, and IEP processes
- Connect with other parents who understand what you’re going through
- Develop the skills and confidence to advocate effectively for your child
- Organize with other parents to make schools fairer for all families
When parents stand together, systems begin to change.
CADRE parents work collectively to create schools that are transparent, equitable, and supportive of every child.
Looking for Support?
CADRE may be able to help if you are dealing with:
- A school suspension in South Los Angeles
- Unfair school discipline or disciplinary action
- Questions about your rights as a parent in LAUSD
- An upcoming school meeting or IEP you want to prepare for
- Finding a community of Black and Brown parents advocating together for parent empowerment in Los Angeles
Become part of a growing movement of South LA parents working to transform schools and defend our children’s right to dignity and education.
Join CADRE’s parent network and help shape the future of South LA schools.
Every School. Every Child. Every Family. That's What We're Fighting For.
Connect with CADRE
Speak with a CADRE Organizer Get direct, one-on-one guidance and support from a staff organizer.
Join the Parent Empowerment Academy Build your leadership and advocacy skills through our signature training program.
Attend a Political Education Meeting Learn alongside other parents about education justice and community organizing in South LA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my child is suspended from school in LAUSD?
Contact CADRE. We help parents understand their rights, review the suspension, and prepare for any follow-up meetings with the school or district.
Does CADRE offer services in Spanish?
Yes. CADRE serves Black and Brown/Latino families in South Los Angeles and provides support in both English and Spanish.
Is CADRE free to work with?
Yes. CADRE’s parent support and organizing services are free to all families we serve.
Can CADRE help me prepare for an IEP meeting?
Yes. We help parents understand the IEP process, review their child’s plan, and walk into meetings feeling prepared and confident.
What are my rights as a parent under California school discipline law?
California state law gives parents the right to be notified of any suspension, to meet with school officials, to review their child’s records, and to appeal disciplinary decisions. CADRE can walk you through your rights step by step.
Can CADRE help if my child attends a charter school, not an LAUSD school?
Yes. CADRE works with parents across LAUSD and local charter schools in South Los Angeles. Charter school parents have rights too — and we can help you understand those rights, navigate school policies, and advocate for your child regardless of which school they attend.
Parent Resources and Advocacy Tools
CADRE also provides practical tools to help you:
- Prepare for school meetings and conferences
- Understand suspension and discipline policies
- Document school incidents clearly and effectively
- Know your rights in education — in plain language
These resources are designed to help you advocate for your child with knowledge, confidence, and the full support of your community.
