All of us love our children and want the absolute best for their future, but did you know that family and parental involvement are the most important factors in their development? Research has shown that when families participate in their child’s education, it can lead to consistently higher academic accomplishments, improved social behaviour, and a stronger sense of community.
At Little Zak’s Academy, we are passionate about creating an environment where parents, grandparents, and caregivers are hands-on in their children’s early education. We have an emphasis on family events and activities, wanting to create and nurture meaningful relationships between families, educators, and children. From Mother’s and Father’s Day events to Easter parades and Christmas parties, we want to ensure that families are always touching base with our centres, remaining involved, and being celebrated as much as their children are!
Children learn by imitation and observation, not just from the children around them and educators but from the role models within their families. By involving families in our centres, children can merge their two worlds: home and school. This helps them see the values they learn as connected across both areas of their life, rather than two separate things. Family involvement helps children feel safe and confident in their education, knowing their family is part of this world, too.
Children feel more emotionally secure when they see their families in their learning spaces. This involvement helps to build a sense of belonging as they know their education is valued by both their teachers and their families.
When families come together and celebrate at their childcare centre, they let their little ones know they are loved. These events are often discussed at our centres in their lead-up, so when families participate, their children feel excited, loved, and supported. These events create shared experiences that build stronger relationships between caregivers and their children.
There are many benefits of early childhood education but research shows that children whose families are involved in their education do better academically and socially. Early childhood is a critical time for development, and family involvement during this stage of a child’s life sets the foundation for future success.
At Little Zak’s Academy, we work hard to provide numerous opportunities for families to get involved. From special family days to ongoing initiatives that welcome caregivers into their children’s learning environment, we strive to make participation easy, enjoyable, and meaningful. These are just some of the ways we encourage involvement from families:
VIP tour nights and open days are a wonderful way to bring families together in a relaxed and joyful environment. These events are designed to allow families to spend time with their children at the centre, introduce new families into the fold, and let everyone engage in games, activities, and socialise with other families.
Celebrating cultural diversity is part of our program at Little Zak’s! Throughout the year, we hold events to celebrate different cultural traditions and holidays, where families can share their own customs and learn about others.
We invite our Little Zak’s families to volunteer in various ways at the childcare centre. Whether it’s sharing information about your job, teaching the children a skill you have or sharing news you think the children would like to hear, volunteering with us allows us to build on our centre’s community.
Staying informed about your child’s progress is crucial when you want them to succeed. We encourage regular communication and collaboration between families and educators through meetings, progress reports, daily updates through KinderM8 and informal check-ins. Family participation doesn’t have to be limited to events — open communication is key to supporting your child’s growth!
Family participation in early childhood education is about creating a strong, supportive network around each child, where families and educators work hand-in-hand to support their child’s growth and happiness. By participating in events at our centres, we can build a diverse, inclusive community that benefits everyone involved — especially the children.
Across our Little Zak’s centres, we are proud to offer a range of opportunities for family involvement, knowing that these experiences enrich the lives of the children in our care. Contact us today to find a centre near you and create lasting memories, build meaningful connections, and give your children the best possible start in life!
