Home Visits for Durham PreK
October 2, 2024
A home visit is a scheduled meeting where a teacher or staff member visits a student's home before the school year begins. These visits allow educators to meet new Pre-K students and their families in a more comfortable and familiar environment.
The purpose of home visits is to build trust and rapport between teachers, students, and parents. They allow teachers to get to know the child’s strengths, interests and needs on a personal level. Parents also gain a better understanding of what to expect from the school experience and how to support their child’s learning best.
The importance of home visits lies in their ability to foster early relationships, making children feel more secure and excited about starting school. Research shows that children who feel emotionally supported and connected to their teachers are more likely to engage in learning. Additionally, home visits encourage open communication between parents and educators, helping to bridge the gap between school and home, which can positively impact the child’s overall development.
Below, Nita McAdoo, Instructional Support Manager II at Durham PreK, conducted an interview with Lavern Lucier, Lead Teacher at Kids 'R' Kids RTP about her positive experience with home visits.
Interview with Lavern Lucier, Lead Teacher at Kids 'R' Kids RTP
Can you share your experience visiting your families in their homes?
The experience I had doing home visits was so phenomenal. I never felt so welcome in all my 24 years of working with children. They made me welcome signs, fixed an entire meal for me, gave me an awesome tour of their home and also played games with me.
Why do you think home visits are important as a teacher?
I think home visits are important to let the child and family know that we are all intertwined working together as a whole to build an unbreakable bond in the Early Education of their child.
What did you learn about yourself in the process?
I learned that the children loved me at home and at school and I can come back again.
What did your program do to prepare for the home visits?
We made sure that the day and times were chosen by the parents not the teachers. We also informed them that I was afraid of animals and if they could put them away during the visit.
Do you believe home visits are an effective tool for building relationships with families?
I believe that everyone should consider doing home visits because the connection that it brings between families and teachers is one, they will never forget. They will feel more secure with their child being left in your care and they will not hesitate to inform you of anything that is going on rather personal or educational.
In summary, Pre-K home visits are a powerful tool to ease transitions, promote collaboration, and set the foundation for a successful school year!