What is Parent Engagement in Early Learning? Depends Who You Ask

Deborah A. Gross · Amie F. Bettencourt · Lucine Francis · Kelly M. Bower · Demetria L. Singleton

64 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Child and Family Studies

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Parental Involvement in Education Early Childhood Education and Development Family Dynamics and Relationships

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Parent engagement in early learning has historically been defined quite broadly and it is unclear whether those designing, implementing, evaluating, or participating in parent engagement initiatives conceptualize parent engagement in the same way. Lack of consensus could contribute to poor quality of parent-school partnerships and reliance on parent engagement measures and strategies that lack meaning and utility. We explored and compared definitions and characteristics of parent engagement in early learning across multiple stakeholders in one urban school district serving predominantly low-income, African American, and Latinx families. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive design, we individually interviewed 63 parents (n = 23), teachers (n = 8), early childhood staff (n = 8), district leaders (n = 7), and community leaders (n = 8) to understand how each defined parent engagement in early learning and the characteristics they believed were indicative of an engaged parent. Results Nine different definitions were described; the majority centering on parents’ responsibilities for ensuring engagement. We found wide differences within and across stakeholder groups in how parent engagement is defined and operationalized. Conclusions There was little consensus in how parent engagement was conceptualized, suggesting there may be different working models for how stakeholders believe parent engagement supports early learning. Three potential parent engagement models are discussed in relation to the qualitative findings. This is the first study to directly compare different stakeholders’ perspectives about parent engagement in early learning in an urban school system serving a large number of low income families and families of color.

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2005Three Approaches to Qualitative Content Analysis 1986Ecology of the family as a context for human development: Research perspectives.2010School/Family/Community Partnerships: Caring for the Children We Share 1999Moments of Social Inclusion and Exclusion Race, Class, and Cultural Capital in Family-School Relationships 2013Effects of parental involvement on academic achievement: a meta-synthesis 2007Income Is Not Enough: Incorporating Material Hardship Into Models of Income Associations With Parenting and Child Development 2018A review of the relationship between parental involvement indicators and academic achievement 2000Family Involvement Questionnaire: A multivariate assessment of family participation in early childhood education.

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