Bridging the gap: engaging Roma and migrant families in early childhood education through trust-based relationships

Abstract

Family participation and involvement in schools has been reported to be crucial for improving academic achievement and social cohesion, especially among those systematically excluded such as migrants or the Roma population. However, these families often participate less in school life. This hinders any attempt to reverse the cycle of inequality experienced in Europe by the Roma and migrant population, among others. This study focuses on a specific school that has successfully engaged Roma and migrant families. Particularly, this case study aims to identify the characteristics of the relationship that the Roma and migrant families have with the school and the way that parents’ involvement in the education of their children has been promoted. The main results show that the participation of these families has been fostered by a strong collaboration constructed with egalitarian dialogue, trust and confidence-based relationships, and having a shared purpose of ensuring high-quality education for all children.