Parent Engagement Practices Improve Outcomes for Preschool Children

Supporting parents' efforts to help their children develop during the preschool years improves a child's school readiness, reduces behavior problems, enhances social skills, and promotes academic success.

The Issue

Children begin learning at home before they ever reach the classroom, but many families face barriers to providing high-quality early educational opportunities. There are a number of research-based strategies to bolster parent engagement in ways that improve child outcomes.

Key Findings

• Programs that promote positive parenting practices and parent-child relationships can reduce behavioral problems.
• Promoting home learning activities and effective teaching strategies can foster early learning
• Strengthening parent-teacher partnerships can boost academic and social-emotional skill development.
• Emphasizing a child's physical health can aid healthy overall development.

Conclusion

Providing systematic supports for parent engagement in early childhood has the potential to promote optimal development for all children.

About The Pennsylvania State University

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