ABC's and 123's:

Families and caregivers are the first teachers in a child’s life. As child care professionals, the importance of partnering with them to create a strong foundation for learning is clear. Yet, it can be challenging to find ways to help busy families stay connected with daily activities in the classroom, especially when parents balance work, home life, and other responsibilities.

While many child care providers want to engage parents, asking families to take extra time for classroom involvement can feel difficult. Families often face time constraints or logistical challenges, like relying on others for drop-offs and pick-ups. But family engagement is so much more than simply bringing parents into the classroom. It’s about creating a supportive connection between home and school in ways that respect each family’s unique situation.

The Evolving Approach to Family Engagement

Traditionally, “family engagement” meant inviting parents to visit the classroom or attend events, but there are many ways to connect without requiring in-person interactions. A meaningful connection between families and child care settings can create an inclusive learning environment, honoring each child’s culture and individual experiences. Here are some practical ideas to keep families engaged—no face-to-face meetings required!

Creative Ways to Connect with Families

• Use Home Photos for Classroom Activities: Incorporate pictures from a child’s home or cultural activities as prompts for writing or discussion. Children can share stories about the photos, fostering pride and cultural awareness.
• Share Family-Favorite Books: Invite families to share a favorite book from home. Parents can even video call in to read aloud or record a reading for the class. It’s a simple way to bridge home and school, offering a personal touch from each family.
• Create a Classroom Cookbook: Collect favorite family recipes, create a “classroom cookbook,” and share the recipes with everyone. Cooking brings cultural traditions into the classroom and is a fun, collaborative way for children to learn about each other.
• Send Daily Updates and Photos: Share daily photos of classroom activities with families, allowing them to see their child’s creations and interactions. A glimpse into the day makes families feel involved and valued, even from afar.
• Organize a Monthly Healthy Snack Club: Once a month, invite families to join for a healthy snack activity. It’s a chance to bond over a shared experience while learning about nutrition in a fun, hands-on way.
• Host a Casual “Brunch and Chat”: Provide a low-key monthly meet-up for families to mingle with staff over coffee and snacks. It’s an excellent opportunity to share resources and foster connections without the formality of a structured event.
• Incorporate Family Activities as Writing Prompts: Ask families to email photos of their favorite family activities, which can then be used as writing prompts for children. This exercise makes each child feel seen, connecting their home life with their classroom experience.
• Invite Families to Share Songs in Their Native Language: Encourage parents to record or sing a short, beloved song in their native language. Sharing these songs helps children appreciate diversity and promotes a sense of inclusion and respect for all cultures.

Tips for Encouraging Participation at All Levels

Not all families will be able to participate equally, and that’s okay. Cultural perspectives on school engagement may vary, and some families may have time limitations or reservations about sharing personal details. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you encourage family engagement:

• Plan Ahead: Share your engagement calendar at the start of the school year to help families plan for events they may want to attend.
• Offer Options for Sharing: Instead of asking families to bring items from home, suggest they share photos, which keeps precious items safe and allows families to participate without added stress.
• Utilize Quick Updates and Moments: A quick story at pickup, or a shared picture during the day, can mean a lot. These small connections help reinforce the bridge between home and school, making families feel part of the learning experience.

Creating a smooth connection between home and school fosters a deeper respect among children, teachers, and families. By finding diverse ways to invite family engagement, you create an inclusive, respectful environment that supports every child’s growth.

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week!

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Author: Emily Manahan, Professional Development Program Coordinator at Action for Children

Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More. 

Action for Children’s professional development services are funded by the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and Action for Children’s generous donors.