In any group, opinions and practices may vary. A family's customs may differ due to religion, length of time in the United States, and other factors. One way to build relationships with parents is by drawing them into school routines and events. Different programs have different ways of doing this. Teachers can take turns communicating with small groups of parents or coming in later on some mornings so they can stay late in the evening to be available to parents.
Some programs encourage parents and teachers to write each other notes.
Invite them in to talk about trips they've taken to their ancestral country or to demonstrate games, dancing, and crafts from their culture. Such presentations teach children about other cultures, give you information about families' backgrounds and traditions, and show children that you value their heritage. Perhaps you even visit families' homes instead of asking parents to come to the school. Such visits are a great way to see the child and the family in their own environment and gain a better understanding of their culture and practices. During conferences, work with parents to establish goals for their child.