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Supporting Families, Nurturing Children: Dr. Kira Henderson’s Holistic Approach to Support and Success
As the Principal at Pittsburgh Weil PreK-5 in the Hill District, Dr. Kira Henderson is deeply committed to not only nurturing the academic growth of children but also supporting the well-being of their families. Her philosophy is simple: if families aren’t supported, children can’t thrive. She emphasizes the strong connection between a caregiver’s work-life balance and a child’s emotional and academic success.
If we’re not helping the parents or families, then we’re not helping the children.
-Dr. Henderson
She believes that when parents face stress, whether from work or personal life, it often reflects in their children’s behavior and school performance. Recognizing the signs of parental struggle, whether through the child’s actions or direct communication, is crucial for schools. In fact, Dr. Henderson’s team works diligently to identify these challenges early. “We often notice when parents are struggling through their children’s behavior or direct communication,” she shares. One example was when Pittsburgh Public Schools shifted the start time at Pittsburgh Weil PreK-5, potentially causing logistical issues for parents. Anticipating this, she partnered with a local community provider to create before- and after-school care, ensuring that parents had the support they needed.
Creating an environment where families feel comfortable sharing their struggles is critical, she believes.
There are a lot of resources, but oftentimes we find that people are not aware of the resources in the community.
-Dr. Henderson
Building trust and an open-door policy allows schools to support both parents and children more effectively, ensuring that families are aware of the help available to them.
In supporting children’s success, despite the challenges their caregivers face, Dr. Henderson emphasizes the importance of goal setting. “We try to fill in the gap wherever we can,” she says. At Pittsburgh Weil K-5, students regularly track their academic progress and set goals for improvement. Younger children who may lack support at home are mentored during lunch or recess, ensuring they receive the help they need even when their parents are unavailable. This approach not only fosters independence but also provides an essential safety net for students who may lack other resources at home.
The support doesn’t end in the classroom. Dr. Henderson’s team offers access to after-school programs such as intramurals, Scouts programs, and community-based partnerships that provide children with opportunities for socialization and growth outside of school. These programs also offer parents a much-needed break, knowing their children are engaged in safe and positive activities.
We have programming that provides some type of respite for the parent, some programs that may have weekend activities or after-school activities to give that parent a break.
-Dr. Henderson
In Dr. Henderson’s view, family involvement in a child’s education is vital to their success. She stresses the importance of providing parents with resources to help them manage their responsibilities, particularly when they’re juggling work and home life. “We build the parent’s toolbox,” she explains, offering tools like educational apps and guides that help parents assist their children with schoolwork during non-traditional hours. This approach ensures that parents are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to support their children’s academic growth, even when they’re unable to attend school events or provide hands-on help during the day.
For Dr. Henderson, strengthening family support goes beyond offering resources; it’s about building relationships based on trust and understanding. “I think the number one thing that you can do to support families is to build an open relationship,” she explains. When families trust the school, they’re more likely to be open about their challenges and seek out the help they need. Dr. Henderson knows that parents who feel judged or unsupported are less likely to reach out for help, making trust-building a critical part of the equation.
Dr. Henderson also believes that policy changes are necessary to further support caregivers in balancing work and family life. She advocates for policies allowing parents to volunteer in their child’s school while meeting work obligations.
I think one policy they should consider is allowing parents to do some volunteer time in their child’s school.
-Dr. Henderson
This flexibility would help parents stay involved in their children’s education while fulfilling their work responsibilities. Dr. Henderson notes that volunteer hours could meet work requirements, benefiting both families and the school community.
To further bridge the gap, Dr. Henderson emphasizes the importance of schools proactively sharing available resources.
If you have the information available, put it out there. Schools should communicate resources through newsletters, community displays, and direct outreach, to ensure that families are aware of the help they can access before their challenges escalate.
-Dr. Henderson
Dr. Henderson’s holistic approach to supporting children and families reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between work, family, and academic success. Pittsburgh Weil PreK-5 offers a model for schools that seek to empower families while helping children thrive by fostering trust, building relationships, and providing the necessary resources.
Her commitment to nurturing both the academic and emotional well-being of her students, while supporting their families, sets a powerful example of how schools can be a cornerstone of strength and resilience in the community.