Blind Children’s Center Encourages Fathers to Play an Active Role in Their Children’s Education
Blind Children’s Center (BCC) values family participation in each child’s growth and development. This Father’s Day, BCC is proud to celebrate the wonderful fathers and father figures who stay involved well beyond school drop-off and pick-up.
Research continues to highlight the need for familial engagement in early childhood education. According to a Southwest Educational Development Laboratory study, “programs and interventions that engage families in supporting their children’s learning at home are linked to higher student achievement”. Similarly, researchers at the National Center for Education Statistics found that children are more likely to succeed in school when their fathers are actively involved in their education. These findings reinforce the meaningful impact that father involvement can have on a child’s growth and development.
BCC intentionally creates opportunities for fathers and father figures to engage in their children’s education, build parent-teacher relationships and connect with other families. Through programs such as Coffee Club, Baby and Me, Early Head Start and Raising Dads, BCC encourages fathers to be active participants in their children’s development both in and out of the classroom.
For preschool teacher Saul Valdivia, that commitment to inclusivity was evident from the moment he joined the team three years ago. With more than a decade of teaching experience and firsthand experience navigating a disability, Saul believes BCC stands out for its intentional approach to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
“BCC works to remove the stigma that fathers don’t need to be included in the classroom,” said Saul. “Families benefit when dads are engaged in their children’s learning and development.”
As the only male early childhood educator at BCC, Saul appreciates the role he plays both in the classroom and as an example for the fathers who participate in BCC Center’s programs. “I am grateful that BCC has given me
the opportunity to be a positive male figure in my students’ lives,” he said.
That welcoming environment is something Daniel Iniguez experienced firsthand after enrolling his son at BCC. He recalls it as a “blessing” to find a program that welcomed his family and offered resources that would help his son grow and thrive, keep him informed about his son’s progress and impart strategies he can use at home. Daniel participates in BCC’s monthly fathers’ meetings, which he describes as “life changing.”
“The meetings allow me to discuss the challenges I face, while also listening to others share their experiences,” said Daniel. “Beyond the meetings, BCC provides informational pamphlets, and each staff member is always willing to answer any question I might have.”
The relationships formed through these programs extend beyond the classroom. Daniel values the chance to connect with other fathers through BCC activities and events. He recently attended BCC’s spring celebration, where he enjoyed the afternoon outside with his children and other families. For him, staying involved is about making the most of every opportunity to support his son.
“Time goes by so fast, and in the blink of an eye, they will be older and doing their own things,” he said. “That’s why I do everything I can to spend quality time with my son, stay involved at school, maintain communication with his teachers and find ways to improve his school experience.”
By creating welcoming spaces and supporting families every step of the way, BCC continues to show that fathers are not just welcome in early childhood education — they are an important part of it.
For more information about BCC and its services, visit BlindChildrensCenter.org/Our-Family-Services.
