First Steps News

Columbia, SC - It’s that time of year again! School is back in session across South Carolina and parents may be wondering what they can do to help their children be successful. Parental involvement early in a child’s academic career is a sure way to ease the transition into kindergarten and to encourage success long-term. Here are some ways you can contribute:

• Meet the teacher. Make a date with your child’s teacher during the first few weeks of school. At this meeting, ask how your child is adjusting, and share goals for your child and any individual needs she may have. Another benefit: you’ll feel comfortable speaking to the teacher about issues that arise during the year.
• Get to know the school principal. By meeting the principal you can find out what opportunities exist for parental involvement, and what recommendations he gives teachers about keeping parents informed.
• Attend back-to-school night. Most schools host this event about a month into the new academic year.
• Find out the best way to keep in touch. Some teachers are receptive to e-mails or phone calls, while others prefer in-person meetings. Ask your child’s teacher the best way to contact her.
• Volunteer in the classroom. Kindergarten classrooms usually offer many ways for parents to lend a helping hand.
  Join the PTA or PTO. Not all parents’ schedules allow them to help out during the school day. You can still make a difference by becoming a member of the PTA or PTO and participating in school committees.
• Continue the learning at home. Do activities and projects at home that will build on the literacy and math skills your child is learning at school. Teachers often provide materials for this.

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