- Place families' needs and concerns at the center of district, school, and classroom planning. Ohio families love and care for their children and want to support their education. When schools engage in family-centered planning, they ask, "How will this plan or policy affect our families' ability to support and engage in their children's learning?" Where barriers to equitable participation are identified, district and school leaders and classroom teachers must adapt and adjust plans to create conditions for all families to engage.
- Equip families to talk with their child about transitioning back to school. Whether in person, hybrid, or fully online, school will look different this year. The key to preparing is to explain what to expect, provide emotional support for children’s feelings, acknowledge the many uncertainties we are all facing, and express confidence in the collaboration between the school and the home. Schools can help families by being transparent with Restart Plans so that families understand what school will look like this fall. Share the guide below with your district’s families to give them ideas for how they can help their child prepare for school year.
- Clarify role expectations for teachers, other staff, students, and families, no matter whether school will be in person, hybrid, or fully online. These should include health/safety expectations and well as learning support expectations for both families and school staff. Remember, expectations for the roles of families should be flexible, should include choices, and should come with supports they need to be successful in their role. For example, if families are expected to read with their second grade child, then the school should provide videos demonstrating how and should ensure families have access to appropriate books. If families are expected to provide Wifi, then schools should work with Internet service providers, local community leaders, and families to ensure students have equitable access to Wifi.
- Embrace effective two-way communication. How will you communicate to reach all families? Can communication platforms be streamlined so your district uses a few platforms well? Consider the number of different platforms families with multiple children will have to access to help their children and stay informed. How can you ensure communication will be equitably accessible for all families? When communicating with families, the school staff should elicit regular feedback from parents and caregivers to inform improvements and approach communication proactively and with honesty.
- Help families connect with each other. Designate school personnel to build virtual communities around common interests, concerns, and social opportunities. Helping to building strong social support networks for families will strengthen your school community and will enhance trust. Consider proactively how important milestones and events will be celebrated in different formats this year.
- Recognize the strengths and determination of families in these times of uncertainty. Take time to build trust with students and families and to support the social and emotional aspects of the transitions we will all experience in the days ahead.
|