The fundamental role of Parent-School Partnership in a child’s overall development.
Parent-School partnership had rather been an unexplored subject until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the artificial distinctions created by society have forged all the more confines in terms of the roles parents and school play in a child’s development. However, the pandemic justifiably shed light on how vulnerable children really are, thus highlighting the need to blur the boundaries between these roles.
Early childhood development should not just be measured by academic excellence and confined to the discussions and strategy for economic convalescence. Bringing about this much-needed change and achieving a policy outcome through parent-school partnership will require strategic and deliberate collaboration among various stakeholders (including government, civil society and private sector) and sectors (health, environment and economy).
Active involvement of parents in their kids’ schooling results in better development. A child’s education begins at home. It, therefore, goes without saying that parents and the environment they create are the two very influential sources where children learn the most. According to research from the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, students whose parents actively participate in their school’s activities are more likely to perform well, be regular at school, have better social skills and show improved behaviour. Additionally, parental support and the idea that they are interested in and concerned about their education boosts children’s sense of self-efficacy, self-worth and self-esteem.
While the demands and complexities of this era have made it difficult to establish solid working relationships between parents and educators, parent-school partnership helps them develop a natural connection. As their significant elders get to know each other and work together, it strengthens the children’s confidence in their teachers and aids their growth.
At the same time, parent-school partnerships have the potential to amplify programme quality, make efficient use of resources and even transform individual partners by strengthening and assisting them.
Given the fact that both stakeholders – parents, guardians, grandparents or other major caregivers and educators, have children’s best interest at heart, the former can be the most honest and important allies for teachers in their children’s academic journeys.
Parents, primary caregivers and educators are caring, skilled individuals who want to see their children thrive, and schools and parents working together as a valued team using impactful strategies and thoughtful ideas is quite an applaudable initiative that can foster student motivation and learning. A win-win indeed!
