The Importance of Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Education

Parental involvement has long been recognized as one of the most powerful predictors of a child’s success in school. In fact, decades of research consistently show that parental engagement has a greater impact on learning outcomes than socioeconomic status, family background, or even the type of school. When parents and educators work together, children at a Bethesda preschool thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In this article, we’ll explore why parental involvement is so crucial in early childhood education and how Reggio Emilia-inspired schools intentionally cultivate strong, meaningful partnerships with families.

Why does parental involvement matter?

Early childhood is a period of rapid brain development. During this time, children are forming foundational skills that will shape the way they learn, communicate, and understand the world around them. Because these early years are so influential, active participation from parents becomes essential. Children do not develop in isolation, they grow through relationships, routines, and meaningful experiences shared between home and school.

In fact, research shows that children whose parents are involved in their education tend to achieve higher grades, maintain better attendance, and demonstrate stronger social skills. They show greater motivation to learn, adapt more easily to school environments, and develop better overall behavior. Additionally, parents who engage in their child’s learning often experience stronger parent-child communication, deeper relationships, and improved family well-being. Whether parents read with their child, ask about their day, or participate in school projects, these actions communicate a powerful message: your education matters, and so do you.

How Reggio Emilia schools support parental involvement

The Reggio Emilia philosophy, known for its child-centered and inquiry-based approach, also emphasizes parents as core partners in the learning process. While the child remains at the center, Reggio schools recognize that meaningful education happens through strong collaboration between parents, educators, and the community. Here are a few ways Reggio Emilia schools intentionally prioritize family involvement:

1. Parents as co-collaborators

In the Reggio Emilia approach, teachers view parents as the child’s first and most important educators, a principle explicitly stated by the educators of Reggio Emilia in their foundational text “The Hundred Languages of Children”, which affirms that “parents are an essential component of the educational process” and must be active participants in school life. Families are encouraged to share observations, cultural experiences, and insights about their child, helping teachers better understand each child’s interests, strengths, and unique ways of learning.

2. Community and communication

Regular communication, whether through parent meetings, classroom reflections, family events, or collaborative projects, helps maintain a strong partnership. Parents with children at a Bethesda preschool are invited to participate in discussions, share feedback, and join classroom activities, creating a true sense of community.

3. Transparent learning through documentation

Documentation is a central practice in Reggio Emilia schools. As expressed in documents, documentation makes the learning processes visible for teachers, children, and families. By sharing photos, transcripts of conversations, children’s drawings, and learning journals, educators offer parents a clear window into how their child is thinking, exploring, and developing.

This visibility is essential for parental involvement because it helps families understand not just what their child did, but how they approached ideas, questions, and challenges. When parents can see their child’s process, they are better able to engage in meaningful conversations at home, contribute insights to teachers, and feel connected to the classroom community.

4. Respecting the home-school connection

Reggio educators understand that learning doesn’t end when a child leaves the classroom. By encouraging at-home exploration, shared reading, outdoor play, and reflection, parents extend the learning environment and strengthen their child’s development.

When parents and educators unite with shared purpose, children gain confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning. Parental involvement is a powerful investment in a child’s future. Our Reggio Emilia Bethesda preschool honors this partnership by elevating the role of families and creating an environment where children feel supported by an entire community. To learn more about our school, contact us today!