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