Latinx Family Engagement in Early Elementary School: A National Study

• In Event: International, Immigrant, and Linguistically Diverse Families Supporting Education

Abstract

Family engagement in children’s schooling is important, yet Latinx families often face barriers which limits access to school-based opportunities. Many Latinx families participate in rich, home-based academic activities. Using an assets-based approach, the present study examines patterns of early Latinx family engagement in school- and home-based academic activities, including reported barriers, on a national level. Descriptive findings show high Latinx family participation during kindergarten in a variety of home-based academic activities, as well as many school-based activities. The most common barriers reported are inconvenient meeting times and work conflicts. Preliminary regression results indicate an association between Latinx family engagement and child outcomes, most evidently between kindergarten home-based activities and second grade cognitive skills. Practice and policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• Christa Renee Mulker Greenfader, California State University - Fullerton

• Elizabeth B. Miller, New York University