August 1, 2024

Tips to Build Strong Caregiver-Teacher Relationships

Explore our resources to help build strong caregiver-teacher relationships throughout the school year.

Teacher having a discussion with a student and his parent.

Evidence shows that strong relationships between caregivers and teachers improve students’ emotional well-being, academic achievement, and attitudes about school. Children feel supported at home and at school when their caregivers and teachers have positive relationships.

Check out these resources for caregivers, families, and educators to help build strong relationships as we head into the new school year!

For caregivers

Talk about school as a family
Agreement about what’s important to both students and caregivers in the family can support responsible choices. Check in with your child about how they are feeling about school, including what they enjoy and what they don’t like, and develop goals together. Use this guide to create simple family agreements:

English: Family Agreements
Español: Acuerdos de familia
Mandarin: 制定一个使自己感觉良好的计划
Nepali: राम्रो महसुस हुने योजना बनाऔं।

Be proactive about sharing goals
Have questions about upcoming events? Looking to offer feedback about school improvements? Teachers and school staff can help you navigate these questions. Reach out to those you trust for support during the year ahead.

Share our Gathering Input from Families Action Planning Guide with school staff who are looking for ways to engage families.

Mom helps daughter with schoolwork on laptop.

Set boundaries
It’s important to clearly communicate with teachers and school staff about boundaries when it comes to getting involved. Discuss communication preferences with your child’s teacher to determine a system that works best for all. Use this tool to identify your boundaries:

Boundary Setting Tool | Herramienta Para Ayudar a Establecer Límites

Prioritize school attendance
Regular school attendance increases reading and math skills, supports social and emotional health, and fosters strong relationships. Watch the video below to learn how to get involved and help your child build connections at school.

Video: What Is School Attendance? | ¿Qué es la asistencia a la escuela?

Invest in friendships at school
Engaging with other caregivers can create a mutually supportive network. Ask teachers and school staff if there is a school committee open to caregivers and parents. If you’re looking for more opportunities, connect with school staff to see if you can help organize a family engagement group or event. Check out the resources in the section below for more guidance to share with teachers and school staff.

For teachers and school staff

Welcome families back to school
The new school year offers opportunities to collaborate and meet the needs of students, caregivers, and families. Use these evidence-based family engagement resources to kick off back-to-school season.

Enhance student success through family engagement
Meaningful family engagement can help improve learning outcomes for students. Check out this interactive e-learning to develop culturally responsive and trauma-informed family and community engagement practices.

Create opportunities for families to network
Explore our blog series on family networking strategies, which includes strategies for school staff to help support student success and connect with each other. Visit these links to read each post, available in English and Spanish: