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Updated January 27, 2017
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After-school sites do not operate in a vacuum. They must cultivate good relationships with parents and other community members. You can help after-school program staff increase their ability to build these relationships.
One of the hallmarks of a successful after-school program is a welcome, open attitude toward parents. In such programs, staff work actively to build strong relationships with parents. Staff solicit input from parents and are sensitive to family values when developing their curriculum. Above all, they approach the task as a partnership that ultimately best benefits the child.
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Parents can choose to become involved at different levels with the after-school program. At minimum, parents simply receive information. Newsletters, notes, and messages on a bulletin board keep parents minimally involved and knowledgeable about the activities of their children. However, this is a one-way mechanism; it does not allow for feedback from parents to staff.
At a higher level, parents can be valued as providers of information. They may provide insights about their child to staff, outline goals, or suggest ways to handle problems that may arise. All of their input, however, revolves around their child.
Additional program involvement would welcome parents as learners. They may attend seminars sponsored by the after school site or read literature generated by the program. These sources contain information needed by the parents, for example, coping with adolescence or school performance.
At an even higher level still, parents are seen as teachers. They may choose to teach their own children at home, extending any lessons learned during the day, or may actually visit the after-school setting and work with their child. They also may help other children learn, for example, by sharing a hobby.
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Optional Online Resource for Further Study
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Coursework is submitted to us live, as you complete each page. An optional checklist is available to keep track of your progress. Use the menus to return to where you left off in the training. If you need help, click on the Student Support Chat on the bottom right corner of the page.