May 18, 2023

In a world where everyone’s “9 to 5” looks different, you may have to get creative about ways to engage families. Let’s explore some avenues beyond the classic face-to-face!

Desperate Times, Innovative Measures

The pandemic was a time of uncertainty, but it was also a time of innovation, especially for teachers and families as they learned new ways to communicate virtually. In out-of-school time, too, technology emerged as the top tool for connecting with families. It quickly replaced older methods like sending information home with students — and hoping your handwritten notes and printed newsletters didn’t sink to the bottom of their backpacks, never to be seen again. It’s no secret that humanity can adapt like nobody’s business, and this adaptation is certainly leaps and bounds above its predecessor:

• New technologies allow for more convenient ways to meet and communicate. Families who are unable to get off work at a certain time or find childcare can now be much more involved.
• It allows instructors to be more up to date with sharing student progress. Many platforms give instructors the ability to analyze student progress and allow families to access this progress at any time.
• Not every family member wants to — or is able to — communicate in the same way. Giving families the choice of how they’d like to communicate lets them feel in control, which in turn increases their likelihood of engaging.
• Many translation features can remove language barriers. From social media to texting software, it’s easier than ever for people who speak different languages to communicate.

There are many reasons why this “new normal” should definitely be here to stay.

Let’s Get Social

For better or worse, social media has found its way into most aspects of our lives. Why not benefit from this by using it to communicate with families in a much more efficient manner? Creating a social media presence has never been easier, and there are a multitude of free resources right at your fingertips. Take a cue from our Marketing and Outreach QPQ for some free tools to get you on your way to becoming a Social Media Master! Our Social Media Editorial Calendar tool allows you to plan your posts in advance with a breakdown of your posting date, topic, image, and more, so you can take it step by step. Let’s explore some ways to optimize social media for the greatest family engagement results:

• Has your program hosted an event you’d like to brag about? With family permission, create an album on social media specifically for the event. Share photos and videos of every step in the creation and execution process. Families who attended the event can be encouraged to share some of their own, and families who couldn’t be there can feel as if they were!
• Is your program looking for new team members? Bring families into the conversation by posting recruitment videos. Who knows: You might already know the next greatest team member.
• Use social media to open a dialogue around how families can support their child’s learning at home and in your program. Share ideas for activities, ask families for their input around upcoming activities, and let them know what’s happening in your program. Families want to be in the know, so keep them updated!

Keep the Conversation Going

Besides social media, there are other tools you can use to keep the family engagement conversation going. For example:

• You can use a communication platform to reach anyone who agrees to receive text messages. On most platforms, you can use lists to send content to certain groups. Translation features are also common. Got a quick change or bit of information you need to share immediately? Send it out here!
• Virtual classroom platforms are an easy way to show families exactly what students are learning in your program. You can upload materials, send updates, and schedule one-on-one conferences.

It’s a good idea to check with your colleagues, school-day teachers, and the school or district instructional technology (IT) staff for suggestions on which LMS tools your program might want to implement. Often it makes sense to align your technology with what the school day is using.

The bottom line? No matter what your program families’ schedules look like, the common denominator is that they want to be connected, so be sure you make it easy for them to do so!