Family Engagement

A strong early childhood program nurtures meaningful connections between children, educators, and families. When all three are supported and engaged, the learning environment becomes more responsive, inclusive, and enriching—helping children grow with confidence and curiosity.

Ways to be active in supporting your child’s success:

School attendance

One of the most important things your child can do to achieve academic success is also one of the most basic: attend school daily.
Research has shown that your child’s attendance record can be the most important factor impacting their academic success.
When your child absolutely has to miss school, immediately contact the school.

Direct communication with teachers

Our teachers are here to promote your child’s learning and their success at school.
You can contact your child’s teacher to share information about your child or to ask questions.
Many teachers use phone apps that allow them to communicate with families in many different languages.
Ask your child’s teacher how you can communicate with them.

Parent-teacher conferences

Teachers will invite you to parent-teacher conferences (also known as conferences) to talk about how your child is doing in school, what they’re good at and where they can improve.
Conferences are an important way to support your child’s learning and strengthen communication and collaboration with your child’s teachers.
We offer interpretation in many languages. Let your Family Liaison or child’s teacher know if you need an interpreter at the meeting.

Open doors

You can always talk to any staff member about anything you’re worried about or ask any questions about your child’s school.
If you are not sure who to ask a question, you can always reach out to your Family Liaison.

Ideas to try at home

Children are always learning through play! Set your child up for success by allowing opportunities for them to move their body, be creative and explore their environment.

Artistic Expression

Sing songs and listen to different types of music together, or make up your own songs.

Provide markers/crayons, children’s scissors and glue, along with scrap paper, cardboard, paper towel rolls, ribbon or other recycled materials for your child to create a collage or other art piece.

Literacy

Pick a simple word and see how many rhymes you can make (for example, cat, hat, sat, pat).

Take a walk through your neighborhood and encourage your child to point out things they see and to talk about them. React to their observations, ask open-ended questions (who, what, when, where, why, how) and add your own observations to encourage a rich conversation.

History and Social Science

Play “What’s Different?” Change something about your appearance (for example, take off a shoe) and have your child guess what’s different or find something that’s the same. Take turns guessing.

Read stories that emphasize the jobs people do (doctor, teacher, cashier, mail carrier, etc.) and engage in pretend play about these jobs.

Science and Engineering

Put objects that float and objects that sink in the bath and encourage your child to make predictions/ observations.

Combine 1 cup of cornstarch and ¾ cup of water in a large bowl to make “oobleck.” Use a spoon, plastic cup or your hands to play with it!

Math

Have your child help set the table with one napkin, cup, etc. at each place setting. Count out how many of each item you will need.

Go on a scavenger hunt at the grocery store. Look for fruit of different shapes, colors and textures. At home, make a fruit salad exploring whole, half and quarter pieces!

Physical Development

Play on the playground at your new school during the summer to help your child become familiar with the space.

Play “Follow the Leader” with different motions (for example, marching, jumping, clapping) and give your child a turn to be the leader.