ABOUT CFSP
Welcoming Schools
20
CT Districts Completed
ABOUT US
Connecticut Welcoming Schools
Welcome to our statewide initiative led by CREC in collaboration with the CT State Department of Education and SERC. We support schools and after-school programs in creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where families feel valued—because when families engage, students thrive.
Physical Environment
School-Wide Practices
Culture & Climate
Home-School Communication
Why it Matters
Research shows that when families feel truly welcomed, they’re more likely to engage—and strong family engagement leads to better attendance, achievement, and school climate.
FEATURED COURSES
How it Works
Here’s what you can expect from the welcoming walkthrough.
DAY 1
Preparation
Set the Stage – Prepare your school for the Walkthrough by sending out assessments and building awareness.
1 Lesson
|
Month leading up to day
DAY 2
Walkthrough Day
Teams walk through the school, gather data, discuss strengths and provide recommendations.
1 Lesson
|
1/2 Day
DAY 3
Follow Up
The CFSP Team provides a summary report, action plan, and progress is reviewed over time
1 Lesson
|
As needed
WHAT WE OFFER
Training & Support
CREC in partnership with the CSDE and SERC, helps schools create inclusive, family-friendly environments that foster stronger engagement and student success.
Developing Awareness
90-minute intro to family engagement and the Walkthrough process.
Building Knowledge
Half-day workshop with videos, tools, and a full training manual.
Translating into Practice
On-site technical assistance for planning and implementation.
Reflecting
Post-walkthrough summary reports and help developing an action plan.
Walkthrough Components
Families, Schools, and Community Partners complete assessments online or they may download the form and email to info@fsp.org
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
- Physical appearance indoors and outdoors
- Parking areas
- Signage, entrances, offices and hallways.
SCHOOL-WIDE PRACTICES
- Principal Interview
- Overview of School-wide practices and policies
- Your team will interview an administrator in school
CULTURE & CLIMATE
- Staff attitudes
- Behaviors of school staff.
- Phone etiquette
- Interactions between staff, students and families.
HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
- Written materials
- Announcements, newsletters, forms, school website, and electronic communication platforms
RESOURCE HUB
More Resources
For more resources on creating welcoming schools, head on over to the Resource Hub.
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