The Family's Role in Engagement

Parents are essential partners in education. When families are actively involved, students attend school more regularly, achieve at higher levels, earn more credits, and perform better on assessments. To support caregivers with school involvement, the Department and The Ohio State University developed the Family Roadmap, a resource that includes handouts, webpages, and videos to guide families in supporting their child’s learning and success.

The additional information and resources below can help families understand each stage of their child’s development, recognize key milestones, and find practical ways to support learning beyond the classroom.

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Early Learning Engagement

The years from birth to age five are a critical period in a child’s development, shaping early brain growth, emotional security, and social skills through everyday interactions. When parents and guardians engage actively in early learning experiences, they help build a strong foundation for language development, cognitive growth, and positive feelings toward learning. Access the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s Developmental Milestones for Birth to Age Five and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth’s Early Childhood Resources webpage to learn more.  

Engagement in Elementary School

Family involvement is especially important during this time. By staying engaged, parents and caregivers support academic progress while also helping students form friendships, practice positive behaviors, and build confidence.

During the elementary years, students experience significant growth in both responsibilities and abilities at home and school. As they progress through later grades, their physical skills, independence, and capacity for abstract thinking continue to develop. These changes make family conversations about school especially meaningful.

  • Attendance Conversation Guide for Families of Students in Grades K-5
    • Families can support their students’ attendance by talking with them about school to better understand their experiences and perspectives. This conversation guide offers practical prompts to explore school experiences, address attendance challenges, and identify supports that can help students succeed.

Strategies Parents and Caregivers can use to Stay Involved

At Home:

  • Ensure your child receives adequate sleep.
  • Establish clear rules and boundaries.  
  • Foster opportunities to build friendships with peers. 
  • Offer consistent encouragement.
  • Prioritize quality time regularly.
  • Provide nutritious meals and snacks.
  • Talk about how to be safe at home and in the community. 

At School:

  • Consult with teachers for guidance about supporting learning at home. 
  • Inform teachers if your child is struggling with schoolwork or if they are not being sufficiently challenged. 
  • Participate in school events and committees. 
  • Reach out to teachers with questions or concerns. 
  • Visit the classroom to observe and engage with the learning environment. 
  • Volunteer at the school to support classroom or extracurricular activities. 

Engagement in Middle School

The role of parents and caregivers remains crucial as students enter middle school. Students at this developmental stage have shifting needs, and the ways that families support learning may need to evolve. While younger students often benefit from hands-on help and close guidance, older students tend to seek greater independence and opportunities to take responsibility. As students take on more ownership of their learning, open communication becomes especially important.

  • Attendance Conversation Guide for Families of Students in Grades 6-8
    • Families can support their students’ attendance by talking with them about school to better understand their experiences and perspectives. This conversation guide offers practical prompts to explore school experiences, address attendance challenges, and identify supports that can help students succeed.

Strategies Parents and Caregivers can use to Stay Involved

At Home:

  • Encourage consistent routines.
  • Connect learning to everyday life.
  • Offer consistent and positive encouragement.
  • Ask about classes, projects, and learning.
  • Set boundaries regarding technology and social media.
  • Help with setting academic or personal goals.

At School:

  • Inform teachers if your child is struggling with schoolwork or if they are not being sufficiently challenged. 
  • Participate in school events and committees. 
  • Encourage participation in school clubs or sports.
  • Stay informed by reading newsletters, websites, or parent portals.
  • Partner with teachers to encourage autonomy in learning.

Engagement in High School

Family involvement continues to play an essential role throughout the high school years. Teens still need guidance, encouragement, and support as they prepare for adulthood, even as they seek greater independence. Research suggests that family involvement during grades 9–12 impacts both academic success and overall well-being beyond the classroom. One way families can stay connected is by engaging their teens in open conversations about school.

  • Attendance Conversation Guide for Families of Students in Grades 9-12
    • Families can support their students’ attendance by talking with them about school to better understand their experiences and perspectives. This conversation guide offers practical prompts to explore school experiences, address attendance challenges, and identify supports that can help students succeed.

Strategies Parents and Caregivers can use to Stay Involved

At Home:

  • Engage in regular discussions about goals, challenges, and plans.
  • Encourage healthy routines, including adequate sleep and balanced nutrition.
  • Support responsible decision-making and independence.
  • Provide encouragement during stressful times, such as exams or college applications.
  • Talk about friendships, interests, and extracurricular activities.

At School:

  • Attend family-teacher conferences and school events.
  • Connect with teachers and counselors to support academic planning and career readiness.
  • Participate in college nights, financial aid workshops, or career fairs.
  • Stay informed about school policies, requirements, and graduation milestones.
  • Volunteer or support school activities when possible.

Encouraging Successful School Transitions

School transitions, such as grade promotions or moving to a new school, can be periods of adjustment for both students and families. These changes often mean new teachers, classmates, and routines, and they frequently coincide with physical and emotional growth. Family support and involvement during times of transition is key to helping students adapt and succeed.

Below are ideas for making transitions smoother: 

  • Attend orientation or open house events. 
  • Check in regularly about school, friends, and teachers. 
  • Discuss the differences in schedules, classes, and teachers. 
  • Review the school handbook and rules together before the year starts. 
  • Be available in times of distress.
  • Listen to your child's hopes and concerns about school. 
  • Reinforce your confidence in your child’s ability to succeed. 
  • Share your own experiences of navigating new situations. 
For high school students, preparing for life after graduation involves thoughtful planning and access to the right resources. Parents and caregivers can support this process by staying informed and involved as students explore postsecondary options and potential career paths. More information about Ohio’s Long-Term Graduation Requirements is available on the Department website, and families can find additional guidance about higher education in Ohio and planning for college through the Ohio Department of Higher Education.  

Determining Special Education Eligibility

Parents and caregivers who believe their student may need special education services can find helpful information on the Office for Exceptional Children's webpage for families of students with disabilities, including a roadmap of the evaluation process and related resources. Detailed information about parents’ rights in special education at all grade levels is also available for review.

Additional Resources

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Last Modified: 11/28/2025 12:50:02 PM