Educators know that when families are involved, children do better in school. But meaningful family engagement, especially in a time when everyone is stretched thin, can feel easier said than done.

At a recent CAYL Conference, Keairra Chaney, a curriculum designer and former educator at Waterford.org, offered a grounding reminder: Family engagement isn’t about asking caregivers to do more. It’s about creating the right kind of support—at the right time, in the right way.

So, how can schools and educators do that? How can we build partnerships with families that are sustainable, respectful, and actually help children thrive?

Here are a few strategies that Keairra shared based on her work with families and schools across the country.

1. Make Communication Simple and Predictable

Families are more likely to engage when communication is consistent, clear, and two-way. That doesn’t mean sending more reminders—it means making sure families know:

  • What’s happening in their child’s learning
  • How they can support it at home
  • Who they can reach out to with questions

Digital tools can help, but so can weekly texts, classroom apps, or even take-home notes, as long as they’re used consistently and respectfully. Bonus points for including home languages.

Pro tip: Think “one-minute updates”—short, helpful, and aligned to what children are doing in class.

2. Focus on What’s Doable at Home

Many families want to help but aren’t sure how—or worry they’ll “do it wrong.” Instead of sending home big packets or complex expectations, try sharing small, actionable activities that fit into everyday routines.

Examples include:

  • Reading a short book together each night
  • Talking about what they notice on a walk
  • Practicing a letter sound at breakfast

It’s not about replicating school at home. It’s about showing caregivers that learning can happen in simple, joyful ways.

3. Build Confidence, Not Just Knowledge

Family engagement efforts often focus on skills, but confidence is just as important. When caregivers feel encouraged and capable, they’re more likely to stay involved.

Workshops or family learning nights can be a great way to build that confidence. Even better if families get to try activities with guidance, ask questions, and leave with materials they can use again.

4. Listen, Respond, Repeat

Families want to be heard. When schools create space for feedback, and respond with action, it deepens trust and makes engagement a two-way street.

Try:

  • Offering surveys or open forums
  • Following up after events or meetings
  • Sharing what’s changed based on caregiver input

That transparency builds community. And it lets families know they matter.

5. Use a Framework to Stay Focused

When everyone is juggling competing priorities, a shared framework can help educators stay grounded in what matters most. One example is the CARES Framework, which Keairra shared during her session.

CARES stands for:

  • Communication: Clear, consistent, respectful dialogue
  • Academic Content: Practical tools that align with what students are learning
  • Relationships: Built on trust and mutual respect
  • Expectations: Shared goals and clear guidance
  • Support: Systems that help families when they need it most

Whether you use CARES or another approach, having a structure in place can make it easier to turn good intentions into meaningful impact.

Final Thoughts

Family engagement doesn’t have to mean reinventing the wheel or adding hours to your week. Small shifts—clearer communication, approachable resources, thoughtful listening—can make a big difference.

When we focus on partnership instead of pressure, families don’t just get involved. They feel like a vital part of their child’s learning journey.

Want to learn more about the CARES Framework or explore examples of family-school partnership in action? Download your own printable ebook, ‘The CARES Framework For Building Family Engagement’