Catrina Labrie

Many children attending school in inner-cities are living in single parent homes where sole provider is working one or more jobs to keep food on the table and a roof over the heads of the family. This means parents might not be available to help the child with school work because the parent may be at work during the time the child works on homework. This does not mean that the parents don’t care about the education of their children. Education programs should care more about the home-lives of the children they serve.

The parents of more than 28 million school-age children work outside the home. There are 15 million “latchkey children” going to empty houses on any given afternoon. U.S. Department of Labor; Census Bureau, Urban Institute, 2000

 Afterschool programs have the power to reduce crime, increase safety, bring neighbors together, and foster community pride and ownership.  Afterschool program help young people succeed by providing academic support and the chance to form meaningful relationships with adults in their community.  Afterschool programs have proven to lower juvenile crime rates and generally improve neighborhoods.

 Initial Communication Communication is the most important part of getting parents involved in an afterschool program. It’s important to have communication, but it is essential to have the Initial Contact with parents. Frequent communication between provider and parents will allow the parent feel involved, and encourages the to participate throughout the process. When you receive a new child make sure you come in contact with the parents. This process makes it easier to keep the parent involved.

 Create informal spaces for parents to attend and participate in. Have a potluck dinner. Have a meet and greet. (once a month) Allow parents to come visit any time. Throw a welcome party for youth and parents. Coordinate an end of the year ceremony for children, their families, and program partners.

 Create continual contact with parents/caregivers. Write monthly newsletters Send Weekly s Contact parents about child’s progress Send home weekly letters/ upcoming events Make announcements Translate (Flyers, etc.)

 Create family project days/community service activities. Martin Luther King Day Work in your community day Family Fun Night Holiday Event Relational Events for Parents to Meet and Mingle

 Be Creative….Create a Parent Resource board/corner… Make sure you have resources corner available for parents. Child Care options Ask for Donations Family resources

 Study after study has documented that when families are involved in school, their children do better. Children receive higher grades, attend more frequently, get better test scores, show improved behavior, and graduate at a higher rate. After-school programs are an extension of the school day, and parental involvement in afterschool can produce similar benefits.  After-school programs are a gateway to the day school for many parents who do not and would not otherwise feel connected to their children's school. Parents who feel connected to their after-school program are more likely to have contact with teachers and day school staff.

Challenges Strategies  Work conflicts  Child care issues  Transportation/distance  Language or cultural barriers  Perceived lack of interest  Survey parents to determine schedule  Provide childcare  Provide transportation  Arrange to have a translator  Provide childcare