Title: Engaging Families in Early Childhood Education | RTI Action Network
Headings: Engaging Families in Early Childhood Education
Engaging Families in Early Childhood Education
Why Engage Parents?
Parents as Partners in Response to Intervention
Key Findings about Parent-School Partnerships
Here are two studies that offer insight into the benefits of parent-school partnerships:
What Parents Want To Know
Engaging Parents
"To Draw Into and, To Attract..."
Tips on How Teachers Can "Draw and Attract" Parent Participation
Some additional suggestions for building productive parent partnerships are:
"To Involve, To Hold Onto"
Tips on How Teachers Can Maintain Parental Interest and Involvement
Hard Conversations
"Doing Battle" So That Everyone Wins!
Here are some tips when sharing concerns about a child's progress with parents:
Some Helpful Resources To Engage Parents
The Child Care Partnership Project offers a number of valuable resources:
A Parent Talent Self-Assessment Tool
For information about cultural competency, visit:
References

Content: Help with an art project? Is there a special topic that you would like to see incorporated into the curriculum? ( e.g., adoption, new siblings, moving to a new home)
Is there a special interest or talent you would like to share with the children? The staff? What is the best way to reach you during the day? What is your availability during the day? Some additional suggestions for building productive parent partnerships are: Don't do everything yourself! Assign specific tasks to teacher assistants/aides and volunteers and make time to share information and impressions frequently, especially after conversations with parents. Trying to do everything yourself can cause extreme exhaustion, frustration, disappointment and even resentment.