What Are Some Parent Involvement Programs?

According to the Michigan Department of Education the majority -- 86 percent -- of the American public thinks that parent involvement is the No. 1 way to make schools better. Additionally, out-of-school involvement programs in community organizations, religious institutions and athletics groups can help kids build self-esteem, increase motivation and develop in a healthy way.

  1. Parent Teacher Associations

    • The National Parent Teacher Association notes that parents who get involved with their child's school's PTA can get better connected to education-related activities and events, use the group to effect change at the school and even act as a role model for students. Parent teacher associations provide an easy way for moms and dads to help out at school in their own way at their own pace. These organizations typically offer an array of options when it comes to volunteering and helping out. This means that you can commit as much, or as little, time as your schedule allows while still joining in on the educational involvement experience.

    Classroom Helper

    • The child development experts at the Kids Health website suggest that parents who are looking to get involved look for a classroom helper type of program. While this typically isn't as formal as a parent teacher organization, class helpers play a key role in the educational experience. As a classroom helper you can spend time with your child, and his peers, doing activities that assist the teacher and make the school day run more smoothly. For example, you may choose to help out by reading a book to the class once a week or do a special arts and crafts project each month. Some teachers, particularly those in preschool and kindergarten, may also need help with snack time or setting up meals.

    Community and Religious Programs

    • Parental involvement programs don't just exist in the educational environment. Community centers and religious institutions such as churches and temples may also have opportunities for parents to join in and help out. These programs may include volunteer committees, leading youth groups or taking -- or even conducting -- workshops on parenting topics such as discipline or community resources. In the religious setting, some parental involvement programs may connect to church or temple schools or nursery schools that the child attends.

    Sports Involvement

    • Sports teams and competitive athletics provide parents with a prime opportunity to get involved. The professionals at the Educated Sports Parent website note that there is a positive connection between parental involvement and the child's enjoyment. Additionally, children with parents who are involved in their athletic endeavors are often more successful at the sport. Parents can get involved through booster programs that help a team fund-raise, as coaches or by organizing team events such as an end-of-the-season party.

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