Here at SKI Charities, we provide scholarships to young girls in Mutare, Zimbabwe, to ensure they can receive the education they deserve. Recently, we’ve shifted to focusing primarily on scholars from single-family homes, who face particular challenges when it comes to receiving a quality education.

Just like children depend on their parents to support their education at home, schools need to be sure that they are supporting single parents and their children. We rounded up five ways that schools can better act as a support system for single-parent homes:

1. Communicate with students and recognize their individual needs.

It’s important that teachers open up lines of communication with children coming from single family homes, and to not make assumptions, because every situation is different. Children of single parents, especially low-income ones, may have unique stressors placed on them. For example, they may be taking on additional responsibilities at home such as taking care of younger siblings, cleaning or running household errands. In addition, they may be experiencing isolation and loneliness if their parent is busy working and they frequently come home to an empty house after school. Be in communication with each child about their emotional needs, not just their academic needs. Having this additional support from a trustworthy adult can positively impact a child for a lifetime.

2. Send home a to-do list for homework and a schedule of events.

While every guardian has a lot on their plate, single parents can get especially overwhelmed with working to support a household all on their own. Homework and projects may fall by the wayside if information gets lost. Providing a concrete to-do list with homework activities and deadlines can make a huge difference for single-family homes. Teachers should make sure parents and students are aware of scheduled events and project deadlines well ahead of time. Last minute scheduling or late notice should be avoided whenever possible. This kind of effort on the teacher’s part can help things run more smoothly for single-parent families both in the classroom and at home.

3. Make space for teaching about non-traditional family structures.

As a society we are often subjected to negative stereotypes about single parents and cultural messages about the importance of two-family households. It is unfortunately commonplace for teachers to hold lessons or events that reinforce positive associations only with traditional family structures. For children from single parent or otherwise non-traditional families, this can
make them feel isolated, embarrassed or ashamed. Instead of holding activities that are specific to having a mom, a dad, or two parents present, teach students about different family structures and make sure everyone can participate fully. Teachers can do this in the form of reading books about different family structures, centering lessons around difference and creating a classroom culture in which students celebrate family diversity.

4. Help parents stay informed and connected to their school.

It’s important for schools to stay in touch with parents and make accommodations to help them remain connected and involved. At the beginning of each school year, teachers can call parents to form a relationship with them. They can continue to use phone calls not just to reach out when their child is in trouble, but also to share good news and celebrate accomplishments on behalf of the child.

When sending home written notices, teachers should make sure to use single-parent friendly language such as “Dear Guardian” rather than “Dear Mom and Dad.” If a parent is unable to meet in person for a PTA meeting, schools can provide jobs that single parents can do at home to stay involved, like making phone calls, stuffing envelopes, sending emails, creating newsletters or filing orders online. Taking these measures can help single parents feel more at ease and included while navigating school culture.

5. Be flexible.

When planning school functions, be considerate of single working parents who don’t have the support of a partner or family member. Be flexible with meeting times, and consider opening up times during non-work hours. If your school is able to, it is helpful to provide childcare at school functions for younger siblings so a parent doesn’t have to worry about getting a babysitter in order to  attend. In addition, schools can make children feel like they can participate in events without their parents by pairing up unattended children with teachers and staff so that everyone has an adult by their side to support them.

Overall, flexibility is key to accommodating single families and meeting individual family needs.