Family Involvement

Ways to Involve Families

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When in Doubt, Just Ask

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Glossary

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family

For the purposes of participating in 21st CCLC program activities, all people who are either responsible for a child or anyone the child identifies as being important in their lives (eg, close family friend, sibling, extended family member, neighbor). For the purposes of protecting privacy, federal policy says only certain people (as defined in Title I) may receive student data.

family involvement

Building relationships through activities such as helping parents and caregivers develop their own skills, offering educational activities for families and students together, bringing family members into leadership positions with the 21st CCLC program, and connecting families with schools and resources in the community.

family involvement plan

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act requires that every school district and every school receiving Title I dollars must have a written parent involvement policy and must build school capacity to effectively implement the policy. This policy must be developed jointly with, approved by, and distributed to parents of participating children and the local community. As a school partner, a 21st CCLC program can be very important to implementing and sustaining the parent involvement plan. Copies of the plans should be available from the school and district offices and/or websites.

family liason

A designated staff person who communicates directly with caregivers and family members to invite their involvement and participation with a 21st CCLC program. A family liaison often helps to connect students' families with program, school or community services that support learning and well-being.

welcoming environment

A friendly, supporting atmosphere that encourages family participation and unites the 21st CCLC staff, family and community in supporting student development and academic achievement.

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FI Diagram

girls talking at grocery store Successful family involvement does not happen by chance. Often, 21st CCLC staff will survey families to find out what resources they need to support students. You may get the most, and most honest, feedback if you survey parents at convenient times and locations for them, like when they attend events or pick up their children.

Informal Surveys

Check in with parents and other caregivers when you see them to find out what they like about the program and what else would help them with their children.

Formal Surveys

Send annual surveys to parents and caregivers to ask what they need to support their student’s academic success. Look in the appendix of Increasing Family and Parent Engagement in After-School to find examples of surveys you might use.

Tip: In rural or close-knit urban communities, you may see parents and caregivers at the local store or church. You can take advantage of that opportunity to find out what they need and how your program can help.