Students reach higher levels of success when parents, families, school staff and community organizations work together as partners focused on their learning, development, preparation for college and career and for life in their communities as adult contributors.
Families who are involved with their children’s learning and development right from the start:
- Make time for play or conversation with children every day.
- Read with children knowing it is one of the most important ways of preparing for school success.
- Set consistent behavior boundaries that evolve as the child ages.
Families of school age children stay involved with their children’s learning and development by:
- Introducing themselves to the teacher of their child.
- Asking their children for messages and flyers from the school, and details about their day:
- “Tell me more about how to do those math problems.”
- “Who did you sit with at lunch today?”
- “What did you think of chorus (any sport or arts or music or club) practice today?”
- “I’m eager to hear your thoughts about the elections.”
- “Did you see the article in the newspaper about rebuilding the park?”
- Continuing to read together and play together.
- Starting early conversations about vocation/career interests.
The resources provided deal with programming in general and certain practices may not be applicable to 21st CCLC. If you are unsure if a recommended practice is permissible, please contact your program officer at the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
5-Minute Film Festival: Parent-Teacher Partnerships
Engaging Families in Out-of-School Time Programs Toolkit
Family and Parent Engagement Resource Guide
Family Engagement in Afterschool