How can I be an involved parent?

Learn about Joyce Epstein's six types of parental involvement for effective school-home collaboration.

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There are various models of effective school-home collaboration. One that is widely known is Epstein’s (2001) six types of parental involvement: parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision making and collaborating with the community.

Adapted from the six types of parental involvement, here are some practical involvement tips and suggestions that you may consider:

1. Parenting your child

*Recognise that your child has different needs at different milestones of his/her development

*Make time to connect with your child and to show an interest in his/her daily activities by actively listening and gently guiding

*Create an environment that is nurturing and affirming and look for opportunities to reinforce the values learnt at school

2. Communicating with your child's school 

*Communicate with teachers to help you stay connected with your child’s progress, behaviours and achievements. Discuss with them your concerns if any. Be open to ideas and feedback on your child’s development

*Familiarise yourself with the various school communication platforms and channels that will best serve your needs and will help you to understand the school’s various programmes in relation to your child’s needs and interests

3. Join as a parent volunteer! 

*Enrol to be a member of the school’s Parent Support Group

*Contribute your service and/or expertise to school initiatives, programmes and events

*Respond to calls for assistance by your child’s teachers in class-related matters

4. Learning at home 

*Encourage a positive learning attitude at home by fostering a love for life-long learning in your child

*Engage your child in fun and relevant learning activities that will help him/her feel excited and enthusiastic about learning

*Help your child draw connections between the content or concepts learnt in school and everyday life

5. School Decision Making 

*Provide constructive feedback and suggestions to schools on programmes and practices through the various school’s communication channels and platforms

*Assume leadership roles on Parent Support Group executive committees, where available

*Contribute your ideas to other parents who serve in the same Parent Support Group executive committee

6. Community Partnership 

*Gather information on community services and programs that will benefit your child and/or family

*Share information about useful community services and programs with other families and neighbours

*Surface opportunities for school-community collaborations in your community that your child, family, and school could be involved in

*Support the school’s projects and programmes with the community

The above article was first published on 7 September  2015 in https://www.schoolbag.sg/story/how-can-i-be-ainvolved-parent#.Vfd4DBGqqko