Lesson 6: Importance of Family Involvement

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able

• Discuss the importance of Family Engagement
• Discuss what School Readiness Means
• Demonstrate understanding of the skills needed to build relationships with families

Teaching

Families are the child’s first and most important teacher. 

If you take anything away from this lesson, let it be that families, regardless of what you think of them, are the apple of the child’s eye.  They are biologically tied to them and no matter what they say or do, they have the most influence. 

This can be a hard pill to swallow when you are in school and learning about child development and best practice.  However, we are the expert on the information; the parent is expert on their child.  The child will move on to other teachers as they learn new skills and graduate to the next grade.  The parent will remain the consistent with the child.  It is our job to educate the parent and give them skills that they can carry with them to continue the hard work that is parenting and educating their child.

Studies have continually shown the importance of family engagement and the positive outcomes on children.  Children show higher rates of school readiness when teacher’s partner with families.  Head Start has provided years of guidance on methods for building these relationships.  The new Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework provides in-depth information and strategies to improve the work we do with families.  Take a look at Family Engagement and School Readiness resource and take notes on what stands out to you.

Once you grasp the concept of family engagement and its importance, you can them begin to build strategies to build relationships with families in the best interest of the child.  We are not building a friendship that allows BBQ’s and movie nights.  We are building a professional relationship that supports their competence in being a parent. This professional relationship will need to be based on trust and honesty so that a parent feels safe and secure.  The interactive simulation in the assessment will help you to practice some of these skills.

Assessment

Lesson 6 Quiz

Watch and participate in the Family Engagement Simulation - Engaging Families From the Start.  Then complete Lesson 6 Quiz.

Lesson 6 Discussion A

Can a family still be engaged if they don’t show up to the parent events or conferences?  Explain why and/or how.

Lesson 6 Discussion B

How do you see yourself promoting school readiness for infants and toddlers?