Embrace Parent Engagement and Watch Your Child Flourish and Thrive!

We know parents want the very best for their children.

It’s why you work so hard to ensure that your children have nutritious foods to eat, are in safe and dependable care when you are not with them, and in countless other ways. However, did you know that being actively engaged in your child’s early learning and care is the biggest predictor of your children’s lifelong health and success? As your child’s most important and first teacher, engaging in your child’s early learning only strengthens this role.

November is Family Engagement Month, a perfect time for you to reflect on how involved you are in your child’s early childhood education and care, the benefits your child receives because you are present and involved, and opportunities to increase your engagement.

Here are five benefits that support you increasing your family engagement:

1. Actively participating in your child's early education creates a stronger family bond and builds a great relationship with your child’s caregivers. These relationships foster a sense of togetherness and unity within the family as well as a support network that ensures your child is getting the best care and education possible. When you work together with your child’s teacher, you are creating a nurturing environment for your child's growth.

2. Children thrive when their curiosity is nurtured, and engaged parents can foster this by answering questions, encouraging exploration, and introducing new ideas.

3. When parents engage in their child's education, they reinforce the importance of learning, making it more likely that the child will take their studies seriously. This results in less absenteeism, more positive behaviors while in school, higher grades and graduation rates, and creates a determination for lifelong learning.

4. Active involvement encourages open communication between parents and educators, ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to your child's progress and needs. You can voice your concerns, ask questions, and work with caregivers and teachers to ensure your child's unique needs are met. Your active involvement can help identify potential challenges and find solutions early, preventing issues from escalating.

5. Parent engagement provides emotional support and reassurance, helping children develop strong self-esteem and a sense of security. This empowerment helps them tackle challenges and overcome obstacles.

What are some ways that you can learn more and be engaged in your child’s learning?

First, ask your child’s teachers or caregivers what opportunities they provide for you to be more engaged in your child’s experience. Look for opportunities such as:

1. Volunteering in the classroom, on the school’s board, or at school events.

2. Attending school-sponsored and special events.

3. Regularly reading classroom and school emails, blogs, and newsletters then responding to your teacher with questions and comments.

4. Initiating regular communications with your child’s main teacher.

5. Suggesting your child’s early learning program create a parent advisory board you help to form.

In the words of Dr. Seuss, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." So, parents, celebrate Family Engagement Month with us and choose to actively engage with your child's early education. The benefits extend beyond the early years, laying a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth.

 Learn more:

• Parental Involvement vs. Parental Engagement from The Annie E. Casey Foundation

• Family Engagement in School from PACER Center

• Why Parent Involvement Is So Important in Early Childhood Education from HiMama

• Ways to Engage in Your Child’s School to Support Student Health and Learning from the Centers for Disease Control