Which strategies can a school social worker use to engage parents effectively?

Engaging parents effectively is essential for a school social worker, and the choice that involves offering workshops, home visits, and regular communication stands out as the most effective strategy. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where parents feel involved and valued as part of their child's educational journey.

Workshops can provide valuable information and resources to parents, teaching them skills and strategies to support their child's education and social-emotional well-being. Home visits demonstrate a commitment to understanding the family's context and can strengthen relationships by showing parents that the school is invested in their child’s success and well-being.

Regular communication—whether through newsletters, emails, phone calls, or other means—ensures that parents stay informed about school events, their child’s progress, and resources available to them. This ongoing dialogue can also help identify any challenges or concerns early, allowing for timely interventions.

This comprehensive approach emphasizes support and partnership rather than merely mandating attendance or communicating formally, which can create barriers. Restricting communication or conducting surveys without follow-up would limit the opportunity for meaningful engagement and ignore parents' potential contributions to their child's education.