Communication with Families

Communication is the first step to engaging with families and building strong relationships with them. Below are suggestions and resources that schools and districts can use to create inclusive, two-way communication practices to engage families of English learners in supporting their child’s learning at home and in school. 

Partners in Communication

Connections can be created by working with community groups and diverse stakeholder teams. Below are potential partners who can bring value to communication with multilingual families:

  • Community partners:  It is important to partner with community organizations to reach culturally and linguistically diverse families. The community resource working group of the Ohio English Learner Advisory Committee recommends that schools begin by taking time to understand the language skills and cultural identities of families. This information may be obtained by school staff who are responsible for administering the Language Usage Survey given to all students. 
    • Question one of the Language Usage Survey asks for information regarding a family's preferred mode of communication. Talking with families about the community organizations they use provides information about which agencies to contact.
      • For example: one school administrator used this strategy and learned about La Mega Radio and the Ohio Habla podcast. In this case, school staff contacted the radio station and the podcast producer to find ways they could collaborate. The school staff utilized the materials as a part of professional learning for staff to understand their multilingual community. 
  • Diverse stakeholder team: School administrators are encouraged to assemble a team of stakeholders (including members of the district’s diverse families) to assess the accessibility of information for people with limited English proficiency. The team can review websites for accessibility and translation technologies, and provide feedback on support plans and processes for families and staff to follow.

Facilitating Meaningful Communication

Schools and districts foster meaningful communication by using responsive techniques. Setting a pattern or cadence of communication supports all students and families, including those who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Below are some methods that may encourage success when communicating with multilingual families:

  • Interpreter services: Have trained interpreters available for spoken communications and translations of written communications. The following are translation and interpreter resources that educators who serve English learners can use to make learning more accessible:

    • Talking Points: This app lets teachers communicate via text and video with automatic translation and captioning. It provides direct communication in different languages using phone or internet. A limited version is available to educators at no cost.
    • ClassDojo : This app allows translation of messages into more than 30 languages and is available to teachers free of charge. Instantly share photos, videos, and announcements on Class Story or privately message with any parent. 
    • Affordable Language Services : This organization provides high-quality interpretation and translation with attention to the specialized needs of education professionals. Rates vary depending upon size and type of product(s) required.
    • International Language Bank : This Ohio-based company provides translation and interpretation services for more than 200 languages and dialects. Rates vary depending upon size and type of product(s) required. 
    • Access 2 Interpreters : This Columbus-based company provides a range of interpretation and translation services in more than 70 languages to assist parents with limited English proficiency. Rates vary depending on size and type of product(s) required. 
  • Recorded information: Recorded telephone calls and videos can be developed carefully to ensure that they are understandable to families. Recorded messages should be sent with the option to request help in receiving the information that is being disseminated in their home language.
  • Translation tools for websites: School and district websites can have a webpage translation tool that is easily seen and simple to use. Google provides a free machine translation tool. Districts are encouraged to have native or fluent speakers review documents and other communications whenever possible.
  • Apps for smart phones: There are several common apps schools use to communicate with families in other languages include Talking Points and Class Dojo. Having a single translation app identified for schoolwide use can increase success for both teachers and families as they go through grade levels. 
  • Establish regular times for communications: Families are more likely to receive and respond to messages that are sent according to regular schedules. 

Related Resources:

Last Modified: 5/30/2025 12:26:06 PM