Meeting Students Where They Are (Literally) Through Pre-K Home Visits

According to the Institute of Education Sciences, “The concept behind relationship-building home visits is simple: teachers and parents come together as equal partners to form trusting connections, which become the basis for collaboration to support learning. Home visits meet families where they are--figuratively and literally--with the goal of creating trust and ultimately improving educational outcomes. Engaging with families outside of school helps form a shared understanding and shows that teachers care about their students.”

These visits are about lowering the emotional “entry cost” of starting school. When a child sees a familiar, trusted adult waiting with a smile on the first day, although the butterflies might still be present, the room feels more inviting, the routines less unknown, and the learning more inviting.

“I usually ask the child to show me their favorite toys, and I try to learn what things they enjoy,” said Pre-K Teacher Jen Friedman. “It allows me to get to know the student on their level and form a connection. It also helps the parents/guardians view us teachers as partners and provides reassurance that their child will be safe at HMS. The familiarity with each other before school begins helps reduce anxiety. We want them to feel comfortable, and years later as they grow older, they still remember these visits!”

Pre-K home visits are not an “extra.” They are a foundational practice for High Meadows School’s Pre-K team. Our teachers are committed to trust, empathy, and whole-child development. These visits send a powerful, vital message to Pre-K families: We see you. We value you. And we are partners in your child’s journey.

During the school year, Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students will be exposed to all aspects of High Meadows School’s stunning 42-acres as they connect with nature and learn through purposeful play. Three and 4-year-olds are together in multi-age classrooms, and we believe that children thrive most when their physical, social, emotional, and academic needs are all considered in their daily school experience.

High Meadows students are respected as learners, community members, and individuals capable of great things. They develop and grow through the intentional integration of physical movement, play, social and friendship skill-building, and mindfulness practices alongside play-based academic experiences. Laying this early foundation of trust and relationship allows students to enter the school year with confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging.

As they grow up, the Pre-K students don’t forget about these home visits. They’ll recall the time spent on the floor with Ms. Carr and Ms. Friedman with a favorite pile of toys, playing in the backyard with Ms. Doster and Ms. Buffington, eating a favorite treat with Ms. McDaniel and Ms. Pearlman, or sharing a laugh in the living room with Ms. Oeschger & Ms. Yount. These visits spark a connection between student and teacher that establishes not only a connection prior to the school year but sparks a lifelong love of learning.