Schools and communities must find ways to become an extension of the family. They can begin by providing programs and services that are family-friendly. For example, child care could be provided for evening programs, giving parents the opportunity to be free of worry about their children when they participate in school or community activities.
Epstein (1995) asserts that as the relationships strengthen among families, schools, and communities, a significantly greater number of students will "feel secure and cared for, understand the goals of education, work to achieve to their full potential, build positive attitudes and school behaviors, and stay in school" (p. 703).
