Week of the Young Child 2022: Family Friday

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.

Charles R. Swindoll

Families are the first, longest lasting and most important teachers and advocates for their children. As a child’s first teacher, the family’s relationship and interactions create foundational skills needed to be successful in school and in life. Understanding this importance is critical when engaging parents in their child’s education. When parents are actively involved in their child’s schooling, the results can include increased support for learning at home, empowered parents, and improved family well-being. Children are more likely to have better academic performance, increased social-emotional skills, and improved health.

RPS 205 family educators Mr. Omar and Mr. Manley, with Head Start family educator Mr. Balta, provide an opportunity for dads to get together to discuss their children and their education. These workshops provide sessions that discuss topics such as the importance of being involved in your child’s life, developmental milestones, co-parenting, parenting styles and discipline. Mr. Manley describes it as a place for dads to talk in an open, free space. Mr. Omar said it's clear that dads want to be involved, based on survey results from participating fathers.

Interested in learning more about the RPS 205 Early Childhood opportunities for families with children Birth-age 5? Visit the early childhood webpage or call the Early Childhood Screening and Placement Office at 815-229-2103.

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Hillary Cook-Harris

Hillary Cook-Harris is the Director of Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment. Hillary joined RPS 205 in November 2019. She has been an Early Childhood educator and director for more than 27 years.