November is Family Engagement Month which is a special time to recognize the vital role that parents and families play in their child’s education. After all, families are their child’s first teacher. This month is an opportunity for families to partner with the Early Learning Coalition and early learning programs to support their children’s learning and development.

What is Family Engagement?

Families are engaged when they partner with early learning programs to promote their children’s development, learning, and wellness. Positive relationships between families and staff in early learning programs are the foundation for family engagement.

Partnering with Families for Children’s Success

Family engagement supports school readiness for early grade success and prepares children for life. Family engagement is a shared responsibility of the Division of Early Learning, early learning coalitions, community partners, and childcare providers to engage families in meaningful ways to actively support their children’s learning, development, and wellness.

Family Engagement Checklist for Families

This checklist is a tool for your family to use to consider the level of partnership with your child’s early learning program. Ask yourself the following questions and check a box for your answer. For any items answered “no”, write a note on how you can begin doing that item.

Consider sharing your responses with your child’s teacher and discuss ways you can be even more engaged in your child’s learning.

Family Engagement Calendar

Download the Family Engagement Calendar below for ways you can increase engagement with your children daily:

Family Engagement Pledge

Take the following pledge and let your child know you are committed to their success.

As a parent, guardian, or caring adult, I pledge to support my child’s education and healthy development to the best of my ability because I am my child’s first teacher. I have high expectations for my child and want them to succeed in school and in life. I pledge to stay involved, serve as a positive role model, and maintain open communication with my child’s teachers to ensure education remains a top priority in my household. I understand that it is my responsibility to stay informed and involved in all parts of my child’s education and health. Education is the key to success, and I will do everything I can to promote my child’s ability to learn.

At the Early Learning Coalition, we also have a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) program that can connect you with resources to help support your role as your child’s first teacher. You may contact them at 850-747-5400 ext. 108.