We are categorizing Parent Resources according to the six types of parent involvement as identified by the California Board of Education Parent Involvement Policy. 

1. How to help your child value education and learning.
2. How to communicate with your child’s teachers and others at the school.
3. Volunteer opportunities
4. How to support your child’s academic learning.
5. Opportunities to partner with other parents and school staff to improve your child’s school.
6. How to access community partners.

1.  Help Your Child Value Education and Learning

Parents are a child first and most important teacher. Even before your child enters school, show your interest by reading, counting, sorting, asking questions, making rhymes, singing songs and valuing play as the way young children learn. If your child is under age six, contact your county First 5 Commission to learn more about early childhood development and programs in your area. Start by visiting the State Commission website at www.ccfc.ca.gov.

Make sure your child is registered for kindergarten. Visit the school. 

Make sure your school aged child gets plenty of rest, good nutrition, and is up and dressed to get to school on time. Even Jr. High and High School students need a schedule that provides rest, nutrition, physical activity.   

2. Communicate with Your Child’s Teachers and Others at the School

Find time to meet your child’s teachers. If you can’t be there for drop-off or pick-up, call the office and get your teachers phone or email. Call and introduce yourself. If you need translation, ask for help. Ask how you can understand the grade-level expectations for your child. Tell the teachers something about what makes your child happy and engaged. Ask what ways the teacher likes to communicate with the parents.   

3. Volunteer Opportunities

 Going to your schools open house, student performances, and parent-teacher conferences are a type of volunteering. It shows you care about the school and your child’s learning. You can also find out if there is a parent organization, ask the teacher or school secretary if there are ways you can help the school.  Read the newsletter or get the email bulletin to keep involved. If your school has a parent liaison or parent center, drop in and chat. Some schools welcome other family members as volunteers.   

4. Support Your Child’s Academic Learning

California schools now have standards  http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/index.asp  for each grade that students need to learn at each grade level. Ask for them. Read them. Learn about what your child is expected to learn and know in each subject. 

Ask your child what he/she is learning and if he/she has homework. Do this every day for elementary and middle school students. 

Set a time and place in your home for your student to do homework.

If your child is falling behind, talk to him/her about what is hard. Many schools have after school homework help.  Talk to the teacher or someone at the school office to find out how to get help for your student. By helping your child overcome difficulties in school, you show your student that you care about his/her school work and that you will help him/her be successful.

When your child starts seventh grade, learn about the requirements for high school graduation and what is needed to meet the prerequisites for the state university system. The right class choices can help students be prepared for college.

5. Partner with Parents and School Staff to Improve Your Child’s School

There are formal and informal ways that parent can work together.

Whenever possible, spend time on the school campus.  Meet other parents. Ask them how their children are doing. Find opportunities for your children to play with other children from the school. Get to know their families. Find at least one friendly person who works at the school:  the school secretary, the janitor, a special teacher, aide, after-school staff, or principal. These relationships help you and your child feel more comfortable and provide a way for you to talk about any school concerns.

Join a committee! 

All schools are required to have a school site council with at least 50% parents. This committee determines the school budget. Some have advisory committees that plan parent involvement activities and address the school climate. Find out when meetings are happening. Go visit, even if you’re not a member. It’s a great way to learn and to find out who you’d like to work with.

Schools also have English Language Advisory Committees that address the unique concerns of English language learners. This important committee need parent leaders!

If your child is in the Gifted and Academically Talented (GATE) program, ask about the GATE Advisory Committee.

Many schools have Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) or other volunteer group that helps raise funds, plan parent education, and support the arts in schools.

Talk to your school secretary or other trusted school contact about how to get more involved. 

6. How to Access Community Partners

Parent and schools don’t raise students without other partners. Look for help when you need it. Ask organizations you belong to how they can help the kids at your school do well. Some churches and businesess adopt a school and help with homework. Don't be afraid to ask for help!