Partnerships

Parents and caregivers have an important role to play in their early years learner's education by participating in varied partnerships with early childhood services and schools. This can take many forms-for example, parents can communicate with the school, volunteer, participate in decision-making, support learning at home and become active learners themselves. Indications are that children apply more attention, concentration and effort, and are more likely to seek challenging tasks, persist in the face of difficulty and experience self-satisfaction when parents demonstrate an interest in and commitment to their child's education. The quality of caregivers' involvement may vary quite considerably; however their assistance with reading, numeracy and general homework will be more effective when guidance, training and ongoing support are provided by the early childhood service/school (Woolley & Hay, 2007). High-quality interactions will enhance the academic and social well-being of early years learners, and may contribute to building a collaborative culture of shared responsibility within the local and wider community.