Dear CDA Families,
I hope you are enjoying your summer and preparing for back to school. A new school year can be a time of excitement and a time of stress for both parents and children. For children, stress may include starting a new school, having a new teacher, new friends, and possibly other stress related challenges.
As parents, we want our children to do well in school and ensure that they are safe and able to learn. One of the most important keys to student success is parent involvement. Remember, parents are children’s first and most important teachers. Here are some tips to help you in the process:
Parent Engagement
Studies show that parents who are engaged in their child’s education are more likely to be successful in school. This includes working alongside school staff to improve and support the learning, development, and well-being of children. Ask questions, attend parent-teacher meetings, volunteer at your child’s school, stay up-to-date with what is going on, and take interest in your child’s education and progress. Always make sure to share any concerns you may have. The more involved you are in your child’s education, the greater impact you will make for your child to succeed.
Encourage Reading
Read with your child for at least 20 minutes each day and talk about the stories you read. Parents don’t have to be good readers to promote reading. Children learn from talking and using their imagination. Get creative and tell your own stories by using picture books or creating your own books by cutting out pictures from magazines. Reading each day increases language, listening, and comprehension skills.
Routines
Having regular routines will help your child stay organized. Create a daily schedule with activities that work for you and your family so your child knows what to expect throughout the day. Activities may include, mealtime, homework, playtime, quality time, reading, and bedtime.
Healthy Habits
Help your child do well in school by promoting healthy habits. Choose a bedtime that will allow your child to get plenty of sleep, provide a healthy breakfast and meals throughout the day, encourage exercise and limit screen time, such as television, video games, and computer use. Remember that your child will perform best when they feel good.
Setting Goals
Does your child have a goal he or she wants to accomplish this year? Keep in mind that goals don’t have to be all about grades. Your child may have other goals, such as joining a sports team, learning an instrument, or making new friends. Ask your child what they are most excited about and help them develop an action plan to achieve their goal.
Open Communication
Having open communication with your child can prevent certain challenges, such as bullying. It’s important that your child feels safe to speak with you about what’s going on at school so you can help them through the process.
Lead by Example
Children are always watching and learning from us. Make sure you set a good example by role modeling positive behaviors. Take time to share with them what you already know and any new skills you learn. Examples may include cooking, paying bills, gardening, volunteering, and adult education classes. If you show a strong work ethic and always seek out learning opportunities, your children will do the same.
Are you worried about your child’s development?
School education looks different for each child, and remember, no one knows your child better than you do. Parents/caregivers are usually the first to notice if their child needs additional support in certain areas. Make a list of your concerns and share them with your child’s doctor. You may also contact your local school district and request a developmental assessment. The following are other programs you may contact for children between the ages of birth to 5:
• San Diego Regional Center (sdrc.org): Children, birth to 3 years of age may be eligible for early intervention services through Early Start.
• Healthy Development Services – First 5 San Diego: First 5 San Diego’s Healthy Development Services (HDS) provides no cost developmental checkups for children from birth through 5 years of age, and connects children and families to needed services.
Being involved in your child’s education is a benefit that money cannot buy. All parents and caretakers can do simple things that will make a huge impact in student success.
Upcoming Workshops
We have FREE workshops all year round:
August 23 – Breaking Down Barriers: How to Find a Therapist
September 6 – Digital Literacy: Synchronizing Calendar & Teams Meeting on Outlook
Click the button below for more information and register today:
We’re Here to Help
For individualized assistance with resources or referrals, please contact our Family Resources Team via the contact form on our workshops page:
