Towards a multidimensional model of family–school engagement in early childhood education: dual perspectives and implications.

Abstract

Family-school engagement is key to holistic development and educational equity in early childhood. This study proposes and empirically evaluates a hierarchical model of engagement, composed of five dimensions: communication-participation, trust-inclusion, learning support, institutional resources, and digital mediation. The objective was to analyze the relationships between these dimensions from a dual perspective (families and teachers) in early childhood education contexts. Participants included 299 teachers and 308 family members from urban early childhood institutions, who completed a validated Likert-type questionnaire. A cross-sectional quantitative design was applied, employing descriptive analyses, internal consistency estimation (Cronbach's alpha), interdimensional correlations, and hierarchical modeling. The findings revealed: (a) high internal consistency across all dimensions (α ≥ .90), (b) strong correlations between dimensions within each group, (c) a more cohesive perceptual pattern in families, and (d) a greater weight of relational dimensions in the hierarchical model. This study provides empirical evidence and a robust theoretical framework for evaluating engagement in an integrated manner. Its distinctive value lies in offering a useful tool for institutional assessments, pedagogical decisions, and public policies aimed at improving communication, cultural inclusion, and digital equity in early childhood education settings.