Effective family engagement is grounded in partnerships and shared responsibility. Out-of-School Time (OST) programs (including before & after school, summer, and programming offered when school is not in session) can be a key partner to support schools in boosting student achievement, building a positive school culture, and providing young people with a stronger sense of community.
Dr. Joyce Epstein of the National Network of Partnership Schools at Johns Hopkins University has developed a framework for defining six types of parent involvement to assist educators in developing effective family engagement. The North Dakota Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs include indicators throughout all for domains (Health & Safety, Relationships & Interactions, Youth-Centered Program Design, and Leadership & Management) supporting high-quality family engagement practices.
