The role of parents begins with the first day of life for their child. From that day forward, parents are central to the child’s well-being and development.

It is often said that the parent is the child’s first teacher. That is true and that key role of teacher and guide continues throughout the child’s life, especially their education. This is a big responsibility and parents often need support from other sources, particularly from the school. 

A child’s education starts in the home. A parent can be a steady hand and participant in their child’s educational journey. In many ways, this begins by reading together from the beginning of their lives. Bringing books, images, and stories into their lives from the start will help children learn about the world. The fact that the parent reads with them at home is important.

There are also programs that are aligned with schools that can help parents navigate the role of first teacher.

The Latino Family Literacy Project offers programs that are aligned with schools. These programs can help parents to navigate the role of first teacher from the infant & toddler stage to preschool & kindergarten readiness to Elementary reading for vocabulary and comprehension through high school, which can provide the basis for parent involvement in their children’s education. 

Each of the Project’s programs at every level provide a basis for parents supporting their children’s education. The programs partner with teachers at schools to create a regular schedule that allows parents to interact with teachers and then go home and provide support for their children’s academic journey.

In English, the word “parent” comes from the Latin word “parentem” and means to bring forth and to produce. Being a parent is about bringing forth the best in your child and doing this in an academic setting makes a big difference. The programs of The Latino Family Literacy Project are designed to help parents bring forth young readers and inquisitive individuals from the earliest years all the way to college readiness.

Learn more at: https://www.latinoliteracy.com/programs/