At the heart of Brilla’s mission lies a profound understanding that parents are the first educators of their children. From the moment a child takes their first breath, parents become the guiding lights, the wellspring of love, and the bearers of wisdom.
With this firm belief in the power of parental influence, Brilla takes the sacred trust bestowed upon them by their parents very seriously. Intentionally and passionately, we strive to forge a collaborative relationship between the school community and families. Home Visits are a cornerstone of Brilla Schools, embodying our unique essence which celebrates parent engagement. These visits commence by welcoming each student and their family into the Brilla community, meeting them exactly where they are. Within the embrace of these family-oriented initiatives, teachers and staff step into their students’ homes, transcending the traditional boundaries of a classroom. Through these meaningful encounters, teachers gain a profound understanding of the students’ home environments, enabling them to serve with empathy, adapt their teaching methods, and craft personalized curricula that cater to each child’s distinct needs, thus paving the path for their journey.
Home Visits resonate deeply within the tapestry of Brilla’s educational fabric. Most importantly, they foster the vital bond between families and the school, embodying a profound commitment to the child’s holistic development. Each visit becomes a gateway to engage parents directly in their child’s education, providing a platform for open dialogue to address any concerns they may hold in their hearts. Furthermore, these visits grant Brilla Schools invaluable insight into the homes and lives of their students, allowing them to assess academic progress through a short reading assessment and craft-tailored approaches before the child enters the classrooms.
Mrs. Reyes Claudio, Chief Operating Officer of Brilla Schools Network, conducted numerous home visits. When asked to shed light on the significance of these visits, she passionately stated:
“A home visit is more than just stepping through someone’s door. It is about immersing ourselves in their reality, truly understanding their journey. We are not merely paying lip service; we are walking the path alongside them, hand in hand. By meeting families where they are, we demonstrate our commitment to building bridges, to honoring their experiences within the sacred space of their homes.”
Given that Brilla Schools are nestled within diverse communities, engaging families in their child’s education can pose challenges due to various barriers such as work schedules, language, and cultural differences. It is of great importance that families feel a sense of ease and familiarity with Brilla, knowing that their culture and values are not only respected but cherished. Mrs. Claudio ardently emphasizes, “You will witness families passing by and exclaiming, ‘You conducted our home visit!’ The bond remains unbreakable even as staff members transition from class to class or school to school.”
So, how do these Home Visits unfold? Upon enrollment, we invite families to complete a home visit form, accompanied by instructions on how to sign up. Brilla teachers receive training in how to conduct home visits. Then, we pair teachers for the visits, taking careful considerations, such as language proficiency, transportation accessibility, and existing relationships. This ensures that teachers are prepared to encounter our families. To further embrace our families, they receive a welcome bag filled with Brilla swag and essential information about the upcoming year. Additionally, we introduce students to the Cardinal Virtues–wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control–that will play a central role in their Brilla education, imparting a sense of purpose and shared values.
For Brilla, educating the child transcends the walls of a classroom and even a school building. Brilla is committed to making the children’s educational journey an experience of love, community, and collaboration. Home visits are the cornerstone of this approach, and parents, students, and staff are grateful for the opportunity.
Brilla Public Charter Schools 