Family Engagement
Children thrive when their families have resources that support learning for everyone.
Education is a Family Affair
Our teachers strive to develop authentic and meaningful relationships with families and welcome them into the classroom. Our Family Engagement Team collaborates with teachers, administrators, and staff to encourage education at home, engage families in school leadership, and build on each family’s unique strengths and abilities. Opportunities include:
- Workshops and classes on active learning at home, child development, early literacy, nutrition, health, and wellness
- School leadership and volunteer opportunities
- Adult education classes and referrals to continuing education courses
- Family literacy, gardening, and learning events and activities
- Family Cafés with computer access for employment searches and school work
- Support to help make a successful transition to kindergarten
Connecting Families With Critical Services
For children and families to thrive, their basic needs must be met. Pre-K 4 SA supports and empowers families by connecting them with community organizations that provide critical services. Our partners offer safety training, health clinics, mental health resources, fresh produce, and nutritional education. We also help families find employment and housing assistance, obtain bus passes, access legal services, and more.
Make Connections at the Family Café
Each Center has a spacious Family Café, a designated space for families to meet, connect, work, and share ideas. Think of it as the “living room” of the campus. The welcoming environment features computers, WiFi access, books for families, toys and games for children, and information on community resources. The Family Liaisons and the Family Program Coordinator work out of the Family Cafés and are available on a walk-in or appointment basis. It’s your one-stop-shop for parent resources.
Parents As Partners
Our Parents As Partners program is one of the best ways to take a front seat in your student’s educational experience. The Parents As Partners group at each Center builds community, helps parents learn from one another and supports parents in being strong leaders and advocates for their children.
From planning school events, addressing common concerns, and serving as an advisory committee on curriculum and activities, the Parents As Partners Groups work collaboratively to play a significant role on each campus. Families form working committees with unique goals such as raising a reader, gardening & outdoor play, parents helping parents, and more. By the end of each school year, these close friends become a shining example of leadership to the students.
The Benefits
Families are children’s first teachers. Research shows that creating consistency between school and home environments helps improve children’s cognitive development and academic performance, their social-emotional development, and the whole family’s overall health and well-being.