Social Support for Learning The support that families and society at large provide for learning significantly affects the quality of educational opportunities available to children and postsecondary students and, thus, contributes to their ultimate success. Investments of both time and financial resources are important. Family Support Parent s are their children's first teachers. Even when children are very young, parents can assume a key role in preparing them for formal schooling by helping them to develop language and other skills and by enrolling them in early childhood programs. Once children enter school, their parents can continue to support learning by participating in school activities and helping with homework.
Many parents report that their young children are engaging in early literacy activities.
Parental education levels are increasing. This trend may, in turn, be leading to increased participation of young children in early literacy activities. Many children are enrolled in early childhood programs. Most parents report attending meetings and events at their children's schools and helping with homework. Fathers' participation has a positive effect on children's success in school.