Partnership with Families

Epiphany seeks close partnerships with our parents and guardians. For the purpose of this document we are referring to all parents, grandparents, extended families, and guardians as caregivers because so many of our students are being raised by people other than their biological parents. We believe that there are many different facets to our commitment to forging partnerships with caregivers.

Strong caregivers make better schools, and active schools make better caregivers. By modeling patience, enthusiasm, and a deep regard for each individual child’s accomplishments and struggles, schools and caregivers can reinforce or inspire newfound appreciations and respect. Because the faculty at Epiphany is so committed to individual children, the teachers and caregivers form deep bonds. They are linked by their shared dreams for each child.

Epiphany, through its program and passion, provides support for children that encourages caregivers to grow. There is evidence that many caregivers improve their economic situation and access educational opportunities during their child’s years here. Having their child settled every day for twelve hours allows them to pursue new opportunities. Epiphany hopes to eventually commit more resources to the needs of caregivers. This could include adult education classes such as ESL and computer skills, library books for adults and younger siblings, and parenting support classes.

The caregivers contribute all manner of gifts to the school. By fulfilling their two-hour a week work requirement, they respond to crucial needs in the school. Caregivers act as car pool drivers, meal preparers, tutors, development assistants, receptionists, and as part of the cleaning team at Epiphany. Another facet of our partnership is empowering the caregivers to find their collective voice and to encourage Epiphany’s excellence. We hope their involvement in Epiphany will lead to advocacy for children in other schools and communities.

Epiphany measures its success on the extent to which each student discovers and develops their individual gifts. A crucial component of this work is forging an active and close partnership with caregivers.