Best Practices Framework for Out-of-School-Time Program Parent & Family Engagement

Abstract

This framework outlines five steps based on best practices and strategies to enhance parent and family engagement in out-of-school time programming observed at AYS program locations in MSD Decatur Township, Spring Semester 2017, as well as evidence-based activities recommendations from the Harvard Family Research Center, Harvard Graduate School of Education, National PTA and our own Indiana Afterschool Network. The framework also reflects two decades of engagement in out-of-school time programming with parent, family and school communities by the author. It is intended to inspire innovative and creative ideas for expanding parent and family engagement in diverse AYS program settings. While no two school communities may seem the same, solutions to further engage families in programming cannot be cookie-cutter either. Evidence-based, targeted strategies help to move efforts in a productive direction.