How To Effectively Engage Parents in After School | Extended Notes

How to Engage Parents in Afterschool Programs

Research found that parental engagement is a key predictor of students’ academic success, and it has a positive impact on students’ attendance and graduation rates as well as their attitudes, behaviors and overall well-being.

"Parents, schools and communities working together create meaningful partnerships that ultimately lead to significant gains in student achievement and success." -John D. Barge, State School Superintendent, Georgia.

Parents play a significant role in ensuring student success. In fact, research found that parental engagement is a key predictor of students’ academic success, and it has a positive impact on students’ attendance and graduation rates as well as their attitudes, behaviors and overall well-being.

Although most parents often have little time to devote to their child’s school or after school program, proactive educators who provide encouragement, support and effective communication can help to foster successful parent engagement.

Here are some ways to effectively engage parents:

• Support learning at home. Suggest fun learning activities families can enjoy together on the weekends, such as exploring family history or taking a trip to the local museum.
• Invite parents into your program. Create opportunities for parents to participate in your program. Host a career day and ask parents to speak to students about their jobs. Organize workshops for parents to interact and learn along with students.
• Utilize technology. There are many apps available to help solve communication barriers between parents and educators. Remind is a safe text-messaging platform that will let you share, communicate and engage with parents.

Educators who effectively engage parents can help students succeed in school and life.