A child’s best chance at long-term success in school comes when their families are engaged in their learning experience. Research shows that the earlier families become active participants, the bigger the impact it can have. That’s why Pre-K 4 SA has made family engagement a critical part of our approach to building a strong foundation for children’s future success.
Unlocking the benefits of family engagement in education
Research consistently shows that family engagement in a child’s educational journey leads to better outcomes across the board. When families actively participate in their child’s learning, children tend to perform better academically, develop healthier social-emotional skills, engage in more school-related physical activity, and display higher levels of motivation and self-esteem. Family engagement creates a seamless connection between home and school, facilitating a holistic approach to a child’s development.
Active participation also helps families develop better relationships with educators, allowing them to more easily navigate school systems, better advocate for their children, and feel less isolated. Family input helps educators tailor the learning experience to better serve children’s unique needs and support families.
Not only do children and families benefit—schools, districts, teachers, and staff benefit as well.
Higher levels of family engagement leads to better morale, increased job satisfaction and teacher retention, fewer suspensions and high-risk behaviors, and more participation in after-school programs.
How families get involved with their children’s education during pre-kindergarten sets a tone for the rest of their schooling. Encouraging and providing multiple avenues for family engagement is a big part of why we’ve been able to deliver positive results over the past decade.
Creating consistency between school and home
Not only are family members a child’s first teacher, but children also spend more time with their families than they do teachers. Our curriculum involves play-based, social-emotional, outdoor learning and nutritional education to create a balanced foundation children can build upon as they grow. This approach is most effective when families and schools work together to bridge the gap between the classroom and home.
It’s important for educators to provide resources and opportunities for families to better understand what their children are learning so they can align activities and lessons at home. Pre-K 4 SA provides resources for families, including workshops and classes on active learning at home, child development, early literacy, nutrition, health, and wellness. Our Family Engagement team works with teachers, heads of schools, and staff to help keep families informed about decisions made by school leadership.
But engagement is a two-way street. Not only are we supporting families’ efforts to continue teaching children at home; we’re also seeking their perspectives and creating opportunities to involve them as leaders and volunteers. Through programs like the Partners in Learning Academy, Pre-K 4 SA gives families, teachers, and support staff opportunities to learn alongside each other and hear each other’s perspectives. Parents and teachers alike leave these collaborative sessions with a better understanding of each other’s’ experiences and concerns—and a deeper level of trust between them.
“It’s always good to have parents’ perspectives on things, and it gives me more understanding of what’s happening,” said a Pre-K 4 SA parent.
“I have an understanding now that families may act because of what they carry from their past—and we in turn may inaccurately define their intentions,” said one Pre-K 4 SA teacher.
Building community among Pre-K 4 SA families
Each center has Parents as Partners groups which build community, help families learn from each other, and empower them to become leaders and advocates for their children. Families form working committees that each have a specific goal—Raising Readers, Gardening and Outdoor Play, and more.
Whether planning school events, addressing common concerns, or advising on curriculum and activities, Parents as Partners groups play a significant role on each campus. By the end of each school year, families become friends and model healthy leadership and collaboration for their children.
Education centers also have Family Cafés where families can connect and collaborate. The cafés feature computers, WiFi access, books, activities for children, and information on community resources. Pre-K 4 SA’s Family Liaisons out of these cafés and are available on a walk-in or appointment basis.
Empowering families beyond education
We understand that children cannot be their best selves when they’re lacking basic necessities. Our family engagement extends beyond sharing information and making decisions about children’s education. We also provide counseling services, food and utility assistance, housing referrals, and other resources to families who need them.
By understanding our families and learning their needs and desires, we are able to support them in a way that empowers them to take an active role in shaping their child’s future—creating a lasting impact on communities we serve.
Has Pre-K 4 SA had an impact on your child and family? We’d love to hear about it. Submit a testimonial on our website to have your story heard.
