Family Engagement
The Columbia-Brazoria ISD School District is committed to making
parents/guardians, community members and educators full partners with CBISD, empowering families to support the early learning and development of children and by providing families educational opportunities and resources to ensure lifelong
success.
In accordance with the Commissioner's Rule 102.1003 (f), CBISD will establish the
following family engagement strategies that are based on best practices research to
support student learning, achievement and family well-being. These practices are proven to demonstrate positive short-term and long-term outcomes for early childhood education. This document highlights the various examples of the multitude of strategies that our campus may select to participate in, based on the individual needs of the students and parents of that campus, which will include the six family engagement plan components. Some activities will meet more than one component and could be applicable to both.
A. Facilitate Family-to-Family Support
Activities to Build Positive Relationships:
Organize family support groups, where parents can share their experiences and learn from each other. This can include informal gatherings or structured workshops.
Host family events such as “Family Fun Nights,” potlucks, or collaborative art projects, encouraging cross-family interaction.
Provide a Safe Environment for Family Engagement:
Create designated family resource rooms on campus where families can meet with staff, attend workshops, and access educational materials.
Address barriers such as language, transportation, and work schedules by offering childcare during meetings, translation services, or virtual meeting options.
Meet the Teacher Event:
Host a welcoming “Meet the Teacher” night early in the school year to establish open communication, build rapport, and ensure families feel comfortable reaching out with questions.
Curriculum Information Workshops:
Organize regular workshops to explain the curriculum and how parents can support their child’s learning at home. Focus on key academic skills, development milestones, and learning resources.
Pre-School Teacher Contact:
Ensure teachers reach out to parents before the school year begins through a letter, phone call, or email to build a positive first impression and establish early communication.
B. Establishing a Network of Community Resources
Build Community Partnerships:
Create partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and community centers to provide support services such as tutoring, mentorship, and enrichment programs for students and families.
Work with local libraries, museums, and theaters to offer educational opportunities for students and families.
Maintain City-Wide Organization Relationships:
Develop and sustain relationships with city-wide organizations, such as health clinics, social service agencies, and after-school programs, to enhance both academic and socio-emotional learning for students.
Provide Volunteer Opportunities:
Encourage families to volunteer at the school and in community events, providing opportunities for engagement while fostering a sense of ownership and belonging in the school community.
Provide Child Find Information:
Distribute information about the Child Find program to help parents identify if their child may need special education services, and ensure parents know how to access evaluations and support services.
Host Annual Round-Ups for Incoming PK and K Students:
Organize annual "Round-Up" events for new Pre-K and Kindergarten students to familiarize parents and children with school routines, teachers, and the resources available.
C. Increase Family Participation in Decision-Making
Feedback through Surveys:
Use climate surveys or feedback forms to gather parent input on the school’s environment, educational programs, and overall school culture.
Share results with families to show their feedback is valued and acted upon.
Involvement in Committees:
Include parents in both the District Improvement Committee and Campus Improvement Committees, ensuring that family perspectives are represented in decision-making processes.
Hold regular meetings or focus groups where parents can discuss concerns or suggestions related to school policies or practices.
D. Equip Families with Tools to Enhance and Extend Learning
Individual Family Conferences:
Schedule conferences at the end of the first nine weeks to review academic progress for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. Discuss strategies to support learning at home and develop plans for improvement if needed.
Yearly Calendar for Pre-K Parents:
Provide a yearly calendar to all Pre-K parents, translated into English and Spanish, highlighting important dates, learning goals, and family involvement opportunities.
Weekly Homework and Information Letters:
Ensure that teachers send weekly updates and homework assignments to parents to keep them informed about what their children are learning and how they can assist at home.
Support for Remote and Face-to-Face Learning:
Offer guidance and resources for families on how to support their child’s learning both at home and in the classroom, including tips for remote learning when applicable.
E. Assist Staff in Developing Skills in Evidence-Based Practices
Training on Building Relational Capacity:
Offer professional development opportunities to teachers and staff on how to build strong, supportive relationships with students and parents, focusing on emotional intelligence, active listening, and empathy.
Crucial Conversations Training:
Provide training for staff on how to engage in productive, respectful, and constructive conversations with families, especially when addressing difficult topics or concerns about a child’s progress.
Promote Family Engagement District-Wide:
Provide staff with knowledge and resources on the importance of family engagement, ensuring that it is integrated into district policies, practices, and day-to-day classroom activities.
F. Evaluate Family Engagement Efforts for Continuous Improvement
Set Child-Centered Goals:
Work with families to set clear, child-centered academic and behavioral goals for each student at the start of the school year, and revisit these goals periodically to discuss progress and adjust strategies as needed.
Utilize Feedback for Improvement:
Regularly review feedback from families and assess family engagement activities to determine their effectiveness. Use this data to refine strategies, provide additional support, and address emerging needs.