FACE Parent Engagement Framework
Alternative Times for Classroom PACT Time and Parent Time
When parents are not able to participate in parent engagement activities during the
typical daily routine, we can support them by scheduling alternative times for PACT
Time and Parent Time.
1. PACT Time at a scheduled time in the children’s daily routine
Flex-time adults may schedule a day to come into PACT Time in their
children’s classrooms when the full-time and part-time families are doing
PACT Time. This is a great option for gaining a deeper understanding of how
their children are learning in school.
Parent Time: In order to maximize the benefits of PACT Time, have the adult
family member come into the adult learning classroom before PACT Time so
he/she can participate in PACT Time adult planning. If possible, encourage
this adult to also stay for PACT Time adult debriefing and Parent Time that day
as well.
2. PACT Time at a time that fits each parent’s schedule
Some flex-time parents will not be available during scheduled PACT Time, but
they will be able to schedule PACT Time in their children’s classrooms at a
time that is convenient for the teachers’ and the students’ daily schedule.
Preschool and K-3 teachers should determine what times of day are possible
for these PACT Time opportunities. Designate a FACE staff member to be the
point person to schedule these PACT Time sessions and have the adult family
member contact her/him to schedule. It is important that the classroom
preschool and K-3 teachers are aware that the parent will be doing PACT
Time so they can be prepared and so they can prepare the children as well.
Parent Time: In these cases, it is optimal for the adult family member to check
in at the adult learning classroom before doing classroom PACT Time. In this
way, he/she can sign-in, connect with the adult learning teacher, and discuss
the PACT Time focus for the day before doing PACT Time. The adult learning
teacher may also be available to do a one-on-one PACT Time debriefing with
this adult family member after PACT Time. If this is not possible, be sure the
parent completes the forms your site is using for PACT Time debriefing and
documentation, such as a PACT Time journal or log.
3. Special PACT Time opportunities outside of the preschool daily schedule
(Fridays, evenings, weekends)
Some FACE sites have had a good response from families when they
schedule a special PACT Time outside of the usual school day. This caters to
adult family members who have other commitments and cannot participate in
PACT Time in their children’s classrooms during the normal school day.
Parent Time: When scheduling these special PACT Time sessions try to
schedule tie for parents to come together in the adult learning classroom to
plan and debrief PACT Time. If there is enough time, a brief Parent Time
session can be scheduled as well.
4. Evening PACT Time scheduled in conjunction with FACE Family Circle or
other school events
When adult family members will be coming to the site for other events, this is
an opportunity for classroom PACT Time. Be sure to include time for adult
planning and debriefing with the PACT Time focus.