Tips to welcome Hispanic parents at school are important in helping them feel welcome. Since many struggle with the English barrier and other cultural issues, it can be easy for them to feel left out. Schools can make a big difference by laying out an extra-friendly welcome mat for them.

By the year 2050, close to 40 percent of the births in the country will be Latino, says an article by the Modern Wellness Guide. To help this ever-growing population in the country, since success begins with education, encouraging Latino parents to be involved is critical, says another article “Making Parents Feel Welcome in Schools.”

Here are three helpful tips to help teachers connect with Hispanic parents from the article “How to Reach Out to Parents of ELLs:”

1. Learn some Spanish.

Even if it’s just a few words and greetings, speaking to them in their language can’t help but make them feel more welcome.

2. Bring in a bilingual interpreter.

Whether it’s a parent liaison or a school employee, a translator will start the beginning of the school year off right when parents and teachers can actually understand what the other is saying. Also, it’s best to use an adult interpreter versus the student as this could make the parent feel disempowered.

3. Connect parents with bilingual staff members.

Give parents contact information of bilingual staff members in the district and school to reach out to if and when they have concerns. Also encourage parents to connect with other bilingual parents to share their experiences.

Two other fantastic tips include:

4. Send families back-to-school, welcome letters written in Spanish.

5. Mention parent involvement programs that can help advance their children’s reading and writing skills.

The Latino Family Literacy Project, for instance, is a terrific program being used at many schools. The Project has a variety of terrific literacy programs and training workshops for families to establish at-home reading routines for younger kids or help parents with college-preparedness with middle and high school students. Teachers can attend a one-day training at a workshop near them or via an online webinar.