It Takes a Village The Importance of Positive Parent Partnerships [cont.]

Whole Child, n.d.). When children walk through the doors of Aberdeen Hall they are met with a myriad of supports which help them progress academically, develop socially, build strength of character and values, and support them as they become independent members of the community. The guidance from the teachers, support staff, administrators and volunteers all contribute to creating the foundation on which children thrive at our school.

There are many facets to a strong education and creating a strong foundation in children’s lives. From an admissions perspective, one of the most important factors which contributes to a rich educational experience is the relationship that exists between an educational institution and its families. According to a study conducted by researcher Joyce Epstein (Institute of Medicine et al., 2015), “schools, families, and communities share responsibilities for children through overlapping spheres of influence. These spheres can be separate, in which case the institutions related to students share little in the way of resources, goals, or responsibility; or they can overlap, creating space for partnership activities”. The value of positive, engaged partnerships between parents and education providers is critical.

Schools cannot function in a silo; as they say: “it takes a village”. Research and evidence overwhelmingly points to the powerful impact successful parent/ provider teams have on children. Parents will always be the first and most impactful relationship in a child’s life and, as such, it is imperative that schools build strong relationships with the families of its students.

In research from Institute of Medicine et al “The first five years of life represent a time when children first learn important tasks that lay the foundation for future learning. Children master these tasks primarily through their interactions with their parents”(2015).

Aberdeen Hall is built not only on the strength of the educational experience it provides its learners once they walk through the doors, but also around the open communication and involvement with the parent community that exist within our community. Families play an integral role in their children’s education through their contribution to building a school’s foundation.

According to Lori Buxton, researcher and early childhood director: “this partnership between families and the school becomes the roof, the doors and the windows, providing protection as students discover, explore and chase their dreams. Together, we can build strong, confident, happy children who grow into strong, confident, equipped and empowered adults.”(Mediaplanet, 2020) A strong foundation within an educational institution, such as Aberdeen Hall, which is built upon supportive relationships between parents and the school is the key to fostering a sense of safety and wellbeing for children. This positive school climate is the bedrock for learning and success in all aspects of our students' lives and something we all can be proud of.

Asmussen, K., McBride, T., & Waddell, S. (2019). The Potential of Early Intervention for Preventing and Reducing ACE-Related Trauma. Social Policy and Society, 18(3), 425–434.

https://doi.org/10.1017/s1474746419000071

Four Ways Schools Can Support the Whole Child. (n.d.). Greater Good. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_ways_schools_can_ support_the_whole_child

Institute of Medicine, National Research Council, National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on the Science of Children Birth to Age 8: Deepening and Broadening the Foundation for Success, B. on C., Allen, L. R., & Kelly, B. B. (2015). Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8: A Unifying Foundation. Amsterdam University Press. Mediaplanet. (2020, April 2). A Strong Foundation Helps Build a Life-Long Education.

Education and Career News. https://www.educationandcareernews.com/ early-childhood-education/a-strong-foundation-helps-build-a-life-longeducation/

Representing Relationships Between Parents and Schools: Making Visible the Force of Theory. (n.d.). https://parenthood.library.wisc.edu/Graue/Graue.html

Article by Morven Eakin Director of Admissions