Finding Ways to Support Your Child's Success
The school year is officially underway, and we know that every parent wants to see their child thrive. A successful school year can lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and opportunity. But how can you tell if your child is truly making progress – and what can you do to support their growth along the way?
Here are a few effective things you can do to help set your child up for success this year.
1. Partner with Your Child’s Teacher to Track Progress
Attending parent-teacher conferences and maintaining open communication with your child’s teacher are essential steps in supporting their learning journey. We start by asking “How is my child doing?” but consider asking more targeted questions that reveal deeper insights into their academic progress.
Ask specific questions like:
- How will I be informed about my child’s academic progress?
- What benchmarks or assessments are used to measure success?
- Are there areas where my child needs extra support?
Many parents rely solely on report card grades, but grades can be misleading and don’t always reflect the full picture. Understanding how your child is evaluated — through classroom performance, assessments, and teacher observations — gives you a clearer view of their progress.
Schools offer various tools and resources to help parents stay informed. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Knowing how your child is measured is the first step toward effectively supporting their growth.
Here’s a surprising fact: 90% of parents believe their child reads at grade level, but only 50% actually do. This gap makes it harder to provide the right support at home.
Check out our “Parent’s Guide to Supporting School Success “(see page 06 below) for key indicators to track and help your child thrive.
2. Understand Your Child’s Learning Goals This Year
Knowing what your child is expected to learn this year is key to supporting their success. Every grade level has specific academic standards — from reading fluency and math problem-solving to science concepts and writing skills. Here’s how you can get informed and involved:
- Get Clear on Grade-Level Expectations
- Ask your child’s teacher: “What are the key skills and knowledge my child should master this year?”
- Request a copy of the curriculum or learning standards for your child’s grade.
- Look for benchmarks in core subjects like reading, math, and writing.
- Support Learning at Home
- Ask: “What can I do at home to reinforce what my child is learning in class?”
- Create a consistent homework routine and reading time.
- Use everyday activities (like cooking, shopping, or nature walks) to build skills in math, reading, and science.
- Track Progress Throughout the Year
- Find out how progress is measured — through tests, projects, classroom participation, or portfolios.
- Ask when and how you’ll receive updates (e.g., progress reports, parent portals, teacher emails).
- Don’t wait for report cards — schedule check-ins or use school tools to stay informed.
- Encourage Your Child to Talk About School
- Ask questions like: “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” or “What was challenging?”
- Celebrate small wins and help them set goals for improvement.
- Use Available Resources
- Many schools offer guides, workshops, or online portals to help parents understand grade-level expectations.
- Visit your school’s website or district resources for learning standards and tips.
Explore our “Parent’s Guide to Supporting School Success“ (see page 05 below) to learn how to interpret your child’s test scores, understand what they measure, and what those results really mean for their academic progress.
3. Support Your Child’s Learning at Home
Creating a supportive home environment is essential for academic success. Start by regularly talking with your child about their school day — ask what they’re learning, what they enjoy, and where they might need help. Set up a quiet, distraction-free space for studying and homework to help them stay focused.
Establish consistent routines that mirror those used in the classroom. This includes setting regular times for homework, reading, meals, and bedtime. Reinforce classroom habits like organizing materials, following instructions, and completing tasks on time. Building reading into daily life — whether through books, recipes, or signs — helps strengthen literacy skills naturally.
Partnering with your child’s teacher to understand and support classroom routines at home can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and performance.
Check out our “Parent’s Guide to Supporting School Success” (see page 07 below) for more tips to help support learning at home.
4. Prioritize Attendance
Understand Why Absences Matter
Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic success. Missing just two days per month, even in early grades like kindergarten, can lead to significant learning gaps. Over time, irregular attendance is linked to lower achievement, higher dropout rates, reduced lifetime earnings, and increased risk of poverty.
When a child misses school, they miss out on more than just lessons. They lose valuable time building foundational skills, engaging in classroom discussions, and developing social connections. Even small absences can disrupt learning routines and make it harder for students to keep up.
Parents play a key role in reducing absenteeism:
- Establish a daily routine that prioritizes getting to school on time.
- Schedule appointments and vacations outside of school hours whenever possible.
- Stay in communication with the school if your child faces challenges that affect attendance.
- Promote the value of education at home by reinforcing the importance of showing up and staying engaged.
Check out our “Parent’s Guide to Supporting School Success” (see page 09 Family Engagement) to learn how being an actively involved parent in your child’s school can positively impact attendance and overall academic success.