The perks of parent engagement: Supporting your child's school experience - Articles for families with children - Resources for families - Get the Latest

Originally published: October 2025

In this article, we use the term parent broadly. We include all adults who play a primary role in caring for children. This could include biological parents, stepparents, grandparents, foster parents, guardians, aunties, uncles, and more.

As the saying goes, a parent is a child’s first teacher. We help our children learn their earliest lessons—how to tie their shoes, be a good friend, ride a bike, and so much more. Yet as our kids grow, they settle into their school journey and become more independent. It can sometimes feel like they don’t need us to play a role in teaching and learning anymore.

In fact, most children want their parents to be part of their school experience. By getting involved in your child’s school experience, you show them that you value and care about them and their education. Research also suggests that students whose parents are engaged in school tend to get higher grades, enjoy school more, and stay in school longer.

Here are some practical ways you can support your child's school journey.

Build positive parent-teacher relationships

Strong, respectful relationships between parents and teachers support your child’s learning. When parents have a positive relationship with their child’s teacher, it helps build a positive teacher-student relationship as well. Here are some things you can do:

Go to parent-teacher meetings—they are a great way to get to know the teacher, talk about your child’s strengths, and where they may need extra support.
Find out what lessons are being taught in class—teachers appreciate when parents show interest!

Learn alongside your child

Help your child create positive day-to-day experiences and build healthy relationships at school. Your actions can help them feel comfortable, confident and ready to learn. Try these ideas:

Stay in the know about what is going on at your child’s school. You’ll find information on school websites and in emails, e-newsletters, blogs, and social media channels. Some schools provide parent information sessions, orientations, and open houses.
Take a few minutes each day to check in with your child. Ask them what they’ve been up to at school and how things are going. Give them your full attention. If you or your child have any concerns, work with them and their teacher to find a solution.
Make time to go to school events and activities—like school plays, music shows, or cultural celebrations. These are fun ways to experience school life, bond with your kids, and get to know others in the school community.

Share your unique insights and ideas

Alberta schools value parent feedback—they want to know what matters to your family and community, and they aim to use your input to shape decisions.

Here’s what you can do:

Use your voice when asked for parent feedback. Most schools and school authorities seek parent input on annual plans, budgets, policies and procedures and other priorities.
Go to trustee forums or school council meetings—if you can’t make it, read the minutes or ask for recordings.
Fill out parent surveys, like school climate surveys or other assessments.
Be part of casual gatherings, both virtual and in-person. Some schools offer drop-ins with school administrators, grade-level meet-ups with teaching staff, or sharing circles with parents.

Volunteer

Consider volunteering, inside the schools walls or out. Schools in Alberta welcome, respect, and value parent volunteers. Most offer a variety of ways for you to share your time and talents. Ask school staff what you can do to help. Here are some examples:

Join school committees, like the school health action team or parent council.
Help with the school breakfast, snack, or lunch program.
Set up student art or cultural displays.
Participate in a field trip or activity day.
Support community clean-ups and greening activities.
Build sets for drama or music performances.
Take part in cultural or heritage events and celebrations.
Care for the school garden during the summer months.

Parents are important partners in education—your engagement in school life, whatever it looks like, contributes to kids being happy, healthy, and successful in life. Connect with your school community in the way that makes sense for you, your child, and your family.

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The perks of parent engagement: Supporting your child's school experience