Including families in your decision making - Early Education (2024)

FAQs

How do you involve families in decision-making? ›

Engage families through informal discussions and at planned gatherings to understand their expectations. It is also an opportunity to develop shared goals for children's learning.

Family involvement in planning and decision making is important because families know their child best. Family input is instrumental in making sure that the student receives appropriate support, and that necessary changes are made so they can be fully included in the classroom.

When families', educators' and children's perspectives, insights and information combine, everyone benefits, particularly the child. Communication builds for everyone a more complete picture of the child's interests, needs, learning progress and uniqueness.

The positive outcomes of engaged parents are powerful: increased support for children's learning at home, empowered parents, and improved family well-being. Children see benefits like improved cognitive development and academic performance, better social-emotional development, and improved health.

One of the first steps to involve parents in your leadership vision and decision-making is to share your vision with them. Explain what you want to achieve, why it matters, and how it will impact students and the school community.

Children also learn important values and beliefs from their parents. For example, if you value honesty and integrity, your child is likely to internalize these values and make decisions that align with them. If you prioritize spending time with your family, your child is likely to do the same.

There are five roles that could be played by the members of the family. In any given situation, the same member may take on several or even all five roles (Assael 1992): The information gatherer (gatekeeper), The influencer, The decision maker, The purchasing agent, and The end consumer.

There are some instances when adults need to be in charge and have the final say on matters. However it is up to adults to also find appropriate decisions that children can be involved in making, allowing children to share some power and control over decisions that affect them.

Why is it important for teachers to communicate with families? ›

Research shows that parental involvement can free teachers to focus more on the task of teaching children. Also, by having more contact with parents, teachers learn more about students' needs and home environment, which is information they can apply toward better meeting those needs.

Family Decision-Making Process

Roles within the Family: Family members often assume specific roles in decision-making, such as initiators, influencers, decision-makers, buyers, and users. Decision-Making Dynamics: Understanding how these roles interact and who holds the most influence is crucial for marketers.

It is important to include families in helping to shape your decisions in relation to developments you want to make. Families know their circ*mstances best and what types of support will work best for them. Families are the child's first and most enduring educator, this makes their input vital.

Understanding the process of decision-making is an important skill for children to develop as it helps them to make informed and responsible choices in life. The process of decision-making involves identifying a problem or situation, gathering information, evaluating options, making a choice, and taking action.

It is important to include families in helping to shape your decisions in relation to developments you want to make. Families know their circ*mstances best and what types of support will work best for them. Families are the child's first and most enduring educator, this makes their input vital.

Attending parent –teacher conferences. Communication with your child's teacher regularly, by writing notes, telephoning the school, using email, etc. Keeping your child's teacher informed about events in your child's life which may affect his/her performance at school.