Associazione Eduimpact Italy

Topic / Theme

Strengthening effective communication and partnership between educators and families to support student wellbeing, learning and development. The course focuses on practical strategies for constructive dialogue, trust building, conflict prevention and collaborative problem-solving between home and school.

Sending partners

Educational organisations involved in formal, non-formal and informal learning: kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, VET providers, training organisations, resource centres and other institutions active in the education field, established in Erasmus+ programme countries.

Participants

20–25 adults involved in education.

Course fee

According to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide: 80 EUR per participant per training day, including course preparation, training delivery, training materials, organisational and administrative costs, and 24-hour emergency support during the mobility.

Trainers

A multinational team of trainers from Portugal, Romania, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Poland, experienced in Erasmus+ training and international education, including collaboration with SALTO and training activities delivered in more than 15 European countries.

Languages used

Working language: English.
Training materials are provided in English. Upon request, support or materials may be available in Spanish or French, depending on the group composition.

Profile of the participants

The course is designed for teachers, school leaders, counsellors and educational staff who work directly with families and caregivers.

Participants:

  • Work with children or young people of different ages and backgrounds
  • May have previous experience or be beginners in family engagement strategies
  • Are interested in improving communication with parents and building positive partnerships
  • Are willing to engage in experiential activities, role-play and reflective practice
  • Are open to intercultural learning and exchange of practices
  • Are motivated to implement family engagement strategies and to participate in preparatory and follow-up activities
  • Aim to strengthen the European dimension of their institution through inclusive and community-oriented practices

Objectives

  • Improve communication skills for constructive dialogue with families
  • Build trust and positive relationships between school and home
  • Develop strategies for engaging parents as partners in learning
  • Prevent and manage difficult conversations or conflicts
  • Support family involvement in student wellbeing and academic progress
  • Address cultural diversity and different family expectations
  • Design a practical action plan for strengthening home–school collaboration

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Apply active listening, empathy and clear communication techniques in parent interactions
  • Plan and facilitate effective meetings, conferences and feedback sessions
  • Manage challenging or sensitive conversations in a constructive way
  • Develop inclusive strategies that encourage family participation
  • Adapt communication approaches for diverse cultural and social contexts
  • Create tools and routines that strengthen ongoing home–school cooperation
  • Design and implement a family engagement action plan for their institution
  • Reflect on their communication style and its impact on relationships and student outcomes

Daily Programme

Day 1 – Building the foundation for partnership

  • Introductions, expectations and group-building activities
  • The role of families in student success
  • Exploring beliefs, attitudes and challenges in home–school communication
  • Mapping current practices and barriers
  • Reflection: trust and partnership in participants’ contexts

Day 2 – Communication skills for effective dialogue

  • Active listening and empathy exercises
  • Verbal and non-verbal communication awareness
  • Giving constructive feedback to parents
  • Structuring parent meetings and conferences
  • Role-play and peer reflection

Day 3 – Managing difficult conversations

  • Understanding conflict triggers and emotional responses
  • Strategies for de-escalation and solution-focused dialogue
  • Case studies: challenging parent interactions
  • Simulation exercises with feedback
  • Reflection and personal learning points

Day 4 – Engaging diverse families

  • Cultural perspectives on education and parenting
  • Inclusive communication for families with different backgrounds or needs
  • Digital tools and alternative communication channels
  • Designing family engagement activities and events
  • Group work and peer feedback

Day 5 – Action planning and sustainability

  • Developing a home–school collaboration action plan
  • Creating practical tools and communication routines
  • Evaluating impact on student wellbeing and learning
  • Sharing good practices and networking
  • Course evaluation, certification and closing reflection