In this story, we hear a collection of parents' thoughts about how Cambridge out-of-school time programs can better partner with families. Treating parents as peers, taking the time to get to know families on a deeper level and being intentional about communication are examples of actions that build stronger family partnerships.

Guiding Questions

• How do you approach intentional relationship building with parents of your program participants?
• What opportunities do parents have to learn about what children are doing in the program and how they can support the learning?
• How do you tailor your communication to meet the needs of your families?
• How do you incorporate the knowledge gained from your relationship with parents into your work?

Our Takeaway

• Ask parents open-ended questions about what partnership with them looks like, sounds like and feels like.  
  Parents want to know that you care about their children and that you care about them.
  Be curious together.  Listen and learn from and with parents.  ​