Virtual Home Visits help teachers establish trusting relationships with students and families, even when they cannot meet face-to-face.

As we build new systems to safely educate students and support families, the foundation for success remains the same – relationships.

Based on our success connecting teachers and families through the Home Visit Project, Stand for Children has developed a guide for teachers and school administrators to apply this program virtually in a way that supports students and families in these unusual times. Read the guide.

What is a Virtual Home Visit?

• A proactive, intentional re-engagement of families
• A scheduled video call between a teacher and a student’s family, from the teacher’s home to the family’s home (duration varies, but expect 20-30 minutes)
• Takes place during the first grading period of the school year, with recommended follow-up at least once per semester (as dictated by the support and information needs of the student and family)

The Virtual Home Visit Process

• Teacher, school, or school district chooses the platform for video calls (with ease of use for families as a key consideration)
• Teacher invites each of their assigned families to a Virtual Home Visit (see guide) Homeroom or advisory roster could be used for teachers with more than one class of students
• Teacher sends confirmation to scheduled families, including call date/time and details of how to connect
• Teacher tracks Virtual Home Visits conducted and those still to be conducted/scheduled

The Payoff of Virtual Home Visits

• Proactive communication demonstrates care and puts teachers and families on the same team
• Face-to-face (even video) visits build connection, empathy, and trust
• Teachers and families learn about one another, leading to true partnerships to benefit students