During times of uncertainty, such as those we’re experiencing now with the pandemic, strong family-school connections can support young learners and ease their anxiety.

In this issue, we're sharing research findings on family engagement during the pre-K to kindergarten transition — including how family engagement changes over time and

how this looks in different types of communities.

Make sure to download our new practice guide for educators outlining home- and school-based practices to boost family engagement during this important period.

The Early Learning Network, funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, leverages its expertise, resources and geographic diversity to help close the achievement gap and maintain early learning success as children transition from preschool to third grade. Together, network researchers from universities and organizations across the U.S. are examining current policies and practices, identifying malleable factors associated with early learning and achievement and developing tools to assess early learning instruction, interactions and environments. Learn more at earlylearningnetwork.unl.edu.