The power of parental involvement in a toddler’s success at school

Parents need to know that they can play an active role in the most important years of a child’s cognitive development, which takes place in preschool, by getting involved in their education. This is why for years; educational research has consistently highlighted how parental or family involvement is a key factor that significantly influences student success. At our preschools in Doral, we’ve noticed how students whose parents actively engage with their schools exhibit improved attendance, behavior, social skills, and academic performance. Moreover, such involvement sets the stage for nurturing a lifelong love for learning—a fundamental component of long-term success. However, there is a fine line between overdoing it and not doing enough. In this article, we’ll explain more about the positive impact of getting involved in your toddler’s education.

Distinguishing parental involvement from parental engagement

Parental involvement refers to the ongoing and proactive participation of parents or primary caregivers in a child’s education. While both parental involvement and parental engagement contribute to student success, they differ in significant ways. Involvement is the first step towards engagement, culminating in a collaborative partnership between home and school. This partnership empowers parents and caregivers, valuing their input and removing barriers to engagement.

How can parents demon­strate involve­ment?

If you are a parent with a toddler at our preschools in Doral you can actively showcase your involvement in your children’s education through various means. This includes fostering a love for learning by reading with their children, providing valuable assistance with homework assignments, engaging in conversations about school events to stay informed, pri­or­i­tizing com­muni­ca­tion with teachers, participating in essential school functions or meetings, and offering your time and support as volunteers within the classroom setting. These actions collectively contribute to a well-rounded and supportive educational environment that greatly benefits the child’s growth and development.

What are the benefits of parent involvement?

Involved families contribute to higher academic achievement, resulting in better grades and test scores. For example, encouraging families to support math learning at home has been linked to higher proficiency levels in standardized math tests. Moreover, it helps children adapt more effectively to the school environment and reduces the occurrence of problem behaviors. Studies have shown that increased parental engagement is associated with enhanced social functioning and fewer behavioral issues in students across different grade levels. Parental involvement also extends its benefits to teachers and classroom dynamics. Teachers gain valuable insights into their students’ backgrounds and needs, enabling them to prepare more effectively.

Parental involvement, especially in early childhood settings, is a powerful catalyst for student success. It not only benefits students academically but also fosters better behavior, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning. At The Learning World Academy, we promote family involvement in the belief that it is critical to a child’s success in our preschools in Doral. By actively engaging with their children’s education, parents become partners in the journey toward academic achievement and personal growth.