This article has been updated to include that the Picayune Family Resource & Education Center is funded by Families First of Mississippi. 

Picayune’s newest education resource center has a new home on East 3rd Street.
The Picayune Family Resource & Education Center, which  is funded by Families First of Mississippi and also houses resources from Southern Pearl River County Excel By 5 program, opened its doors at 900 East 3rd Street in April.
At the center, community members can find free resources such as online high school diploma programs for adults, computer labs, summer tutoring, professional development classes and early childhood development resources, Research and Data Manager Dr. Sonya Myers said.
The center serves as a resource for families to further their child’s educational needs, she said.
Starting this summer, parenting and tutoring classes will be held daily for anyone looking for extra help, Myers said.
The parenting classes will cover a wide range of topics related to child behavior issues and development. The services are also open to educators, childcare providers and parents, Myers said.
Tutoring is offered to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade in both math and reading, she said. The classes will be taught by certified teachers Monday through Thursday in two hour sessions, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
Each student will be given a diagnostic test on the first day of class to assess their level, Myers said. By using computer programs and other methods, teachers will track each student’s progression through the course, she said.
Parents are not required to stay during the tutoring session, but are asked to sign children in and out at the front desk, Myers said.
The classes begin June 5 and end July 27. Parents can register by calling the Picayune Early Head Start office at 601-799-4702 or by going to the center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Myers said they also offer classes in CPR and first aid, basic Spanish and even child abuse and neglect.
“We are really excited and want to make sure that the word gets out about the resources that are here,” she said. It’s open to families in the Picayune and Pearl River County School districts, Myers said.
She urged parents to utilize the center so it can continue to help students excel in school.
In the future, Myers said she hopes to set up a lending library so students and parents can take games and other educational materials home.
During reading and science fairs, the center will also offer materials and help to students looking to complete projects, she said.
The center is located at 900 East 3rd Street next to the Picayune School District Center for Alternative Education campus.
Interested participants can sign up for training sessions by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/june-training-sessions-tickets-34893009932.