Educators and teachers are constantly working to develop and enhance the skills and learning experience of their students. This is an extremely important challenge at the preschool level as the skills acquired in preschool will impact future education as well as careers and life in general. Preschool is a significant time of childhood development, both academically and socially. One of the most valuable resources for teachers is preschool parental involvement.
Researcher Karen Smith Conway, an economics professor at the University of New Hampshire, and Andrew Houtenville, senior research associate at New Editions Consulting, agree that, “Parental effort is consistently associated with higher levels of achievement, and the magnitude of the effect of parental effort is substantial.”
Preschool often offers many volunteer opportunities, giving parents the chance to step in and connect with their child’s academic and social life. While general involvement such as parent/teacher communication can be of help, direct parental involvement typically provides even greater preschool success.
The benefits increase even more when parents support continuous learning at home. Good examples of this include supporting your child’s work on a school project or playing a literacy game with a young child.
Parent/Teacher Communication
Communication naturally improves between parents and teachers with preschool parental involvement. Communication with other parents is often increased as well. Time spent in the classroom will give parents insight into their child’s academic and social development.
It allows parents and teachers to work together on how to implement learning techniques. They can also collaborate to create cohesive strategies for discipline to prevent problems before they arise. All of this provides Mom and Dad the opportunity to have more frequent and meaningful discussions focused on their child’s preschool education.
Student Motivation
Parent involvement may boost student motivation and improve self-esteem. A parent that is actively involved will support and encourage their child to perform well.
Your child will view this involvement as an invested interest their performance. Knowing that you hold them to certain standards will encourage them to strive to achieve those standards.
Behavioral Benefits
There can be overall behavioral benefits for a child when their parents are involved in their education. Parental involvement can provide a smoother transition from home to school. It can also aid in developing stronger social skills.
Improved attendance is often a result of parental involvement, keeping the child from missing out on valuable class time. These behavioral benefits supports academic achievement as poor attendance and behavior problems can prohibit the child’s ability to learn.
Benefits for Your Child
Volunteering in your child’s preschool classroom creates a connection between home and school. This will make it easier for them to share important events from home such as vacations or family outings with their teacher.
This connection will also encourage them to carry stories of their academic achievements at school home to share with their parents.
Parental Benefits
Parents will observe teaching and discipline strategies implemented in the classroom and in many cases be able to apply them at home. The teacher can provide valuable support when parents are try to assist in helping their child reach his full potential both in class and at home.
The more opportunities they have to interact with their child’s teacher allows parents to address any questions they may have about the best ways to support their child’s education and development.
Teacher Benefits
While it may be a struggle for teachers to connect with parents, preschool parental involvement can be very important. Teachers are often unsure how much, if any, additional teaching is taking place at home.
Parental involvement in the classroom allows the teacher to better connect with both the child and their parents. This makes it easier to assess the child’s needs and share information with their parents.
Preschool Parental Involvement can Improve Education Quality
Parents can bring a different perspective to the table when it comes to the quality of their child’s education. While teachers are the experts in the field, parents see how their children respond and learn.
By sharing their insights with the teacher, parents can have a positive impact on their child’s education. They can even influence the quality of the education provided. By voicing their observations and concerns, parents can inspire change that benefits the children.
At Home Away From Home Academy, we provide students with individualized curriculum to advance and enhance learning and are on the forefront of parent relations with newsletters, events and an open door policy. Contact us today to learn more.