“The evidence that parent involvement makes a significant difference in student achievement is beyond question,” according to J. Wherry, Ed.D., Pres., Parent Institute. Ongoing research shows that family engagement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism, and restores parents’ confidence in their children’s education. Students with involved parents or other caregivers earn higher grades, have better social skills, and show improved behavior.
Rainbow provides parents and guardians a variety of means throughout the year for parents to become involved with their child’s progress. Rainbow is sensitive to various work schedules and parents’ time constraints. Therefore, teachers and staff offer creative means to involve parents/guardians and keep them informed of their child’s strengths, weaknesses and interests.
Parent/Guardian engagement events at Rainbow range from attending late afternoon parent-teacher conferences, joining the Center’s African drumming and dance event, playing bingo for books, attending the Center’s Open House Nights, morning Veggie Parties, reading to children, participating in late afternoon parent-child cooking classes, and attending students’ Art Exhibits. Parents receive monthly preschool and afterschool newsletters that contain ideas for home activities that coincide with classroom and afterschool lessons. Parent involvement during the preschool and elementary years have lifelong benefits that include establishing the importance of education and developing a network of helpful connections. Parental involvement provides children with a springboard for continued academic success and solidifies a positive attitude and relationship toward school, after-school sessions and home.
Rainbow also encourages parents to establish a social network with parents of children of similar age. This social relationship provides children a sense of security during transitions, such as beginning kindergarten which takes place annually at Rainbow. Students with involved parents, especially from low-income families, are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, enroll in higher-level programs, attend school regularly, have better social skills, graduate and go on to postsecondary education.