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Professional Development Catalog
(Family and Community Partnerships)
All trainings can be adapted to meet your specific needs and can be presented in person or virtually.
Amplify Family Engagement and Student Success through Communication and Collaboration
Parents and families are a crucial component of children’s lives. Effective guidance from afterschool professionals enhances the academic and social-emotional support they provide their children. Research shows that children do better in school, improve their attitudes and behaviors, and are less likely to drop out of school when parents are involved in their education. Afterschool professionals can build parents’ knowledge and confidence and serve as an important liaison between families and regular school day staff. Join us as we discuss strategies for encouraging open, two-way conversation between parents and afterschool staff and providing essential resources by connecting families to community services and supports. Celebrate what is good about your current family engagement framework and discover how you can amplify it to a new level!
Bridging the Gap with Parents
Parents and families are a crucial component of children’s lives. Effective guidance from childcare and afterschool professionals can enhance the academic and social support they provide for their children. Research shows that children do better in school, improve their attitudes and behaviors, and are less likely to drop out of school when parents are involved in their education. Afterschool teachers can serve as an important liaison between families and regular school day staff. Join us as we discuss strategies that encourage open, two-way conversation between parents and childcare/afterschool staff and ways to provide essential resources for families by connecting them to services and supports in the community.
Building Stronger Connections with Families
This training will empower teachers with tools and strategies needed to foster meaningful relationships with students' families. Create a supportive and respectful partnership through effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration. Learn how to engage parents and caregivers effectively, address concerns, and build a community that supports student learning and well-being.
Community: Building Partnerships for Sustainability
Would you like to see additional programs at your site without having to plan them? Or maybe get free treats for your students and staff? Join us as we discuss how to leverage partners in your community to create more successful programs. Topics discussed will include how to find partners, the initial ask for partnership, including your partners in planning, and more.
Conquering Challenging Conversations with Parents and Caregivers
Working as a team with parents and caregivers when students face academic or behavioral challenges can have a huge impact on helping students overcome obstacles and achieve success. But getting the conversation started can be a bit daunting. In this session, we will share strategies for engaging with families in a constructive manner and navigating through tough dialogues effectively. By fostering understanding and building strong partnerships, you can successfully address challenging topics so that students can thrive.
Engaged: Building Intentional Partnerships with Families
Successfully engaging families in your programs can result in positive learning and social emotional outcomes for children and their families, but it can also positively impact program staff and communities. In this session, we will focus on key points from the book Engaged: Building Intentional Partnerships with Families, from the Parents as Teachers National Center. We will look at family engagement as it relates to 10 key values including trust, compassion, and generosity. Through targeted discussions during this session, celebrate what is good about your current family engagement framework and discover what you can do to elevate it to a new level.
How to Engage Your Parents in Your Activities
Have you ever had a family engagement activity where no parents showed up? This session will help educators learn different ways to engage with families in their programs. We will also discuss scheduling and partners who can help with providing these activities.
Leveraging Partnerships through Afterschool
Partnerships are a fundamental part of the success of a community. Schools, businesses, organizations, and people are all pieces of a community. In this session, we will discuss key ways to leverage partnerships throughout your community through afterschool. Afterschool programs are a fun place to engage students, but they also are a gateway to your community. Be prepared to network and share resources with other participants, as well as learn new strategies to build a strong afterschool program and strengthen community partnerships along the way.
Planning Memorable and Engaging Family Nights
Interested in enhancing family involvement? In this training, we will offer practical tips and creative ideas for planning family nights that are not only enjoyable but also educational and foster strong connections between families, students, and the school community. We will discuss how to tailor activities to meet a variety of family needs, promote belonging, and create an atmosphere that encourages ongoing family participation. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped to design and organize events that will leave a lasting, positive impact on families and students alike.
Relationships with Families are Crucial: How to Build, Maintain, and Strengthen
Building, maintaining, and strengthening relationships with families is essential for student success. Open communication, mutual respect, and genuine care encourage engagement and support working relationships. Celebrate milestones and be present during challenges. It takes a continual effort to nurture these bonds. Join us as we discuss strategies for encouraging open, two-way conversations. The session will offer ideas and allow participants to share their successes.
Turning Tough Talks with Parents and Caregivers into Positive Partnerships
When students face academic or behavioral challenges, working in partnership with parents and caregivers can make all the difference in helping them succeed. Yet, initiating those difficult conversations can feel intimidating. In this interactive session, you’ll learn practical strategies for engaging families with empathy, professionalism, and confidence. Discover ways to de-escalate tense moments, focus on shared goals, and turn potentially challenging discussions into opportunities for collaboration. By building trust and fostering mutual understanding, you can transform tough talks into positive partnerships that support every student’s growth.
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