Grounded in research and informed by lived experience, this guide provides schools with practical strategies for communicating effectively with Haitian families. It helps staff navigate everyday interactions where cultural differences can affect communication, learning, and family engagement.
Without cultural context, educators may misunderstand how Haitian families engage with schools, leading to inaccurate assumptions about their interest, involvement, or support. In reality, many families are deeply committed to their children’s success and demonstrate that support in ways that may differ from typical U.S. school expectations. Because educators naturally interpret behavior through familiar cultural norms, this support can be easy to overlook. Recognizing and understanding those differences is what helps close the gap.
This guide provides school staff with foundational insight into Haitian culture, communication, and family engagement. It is designed to support more informed interactions with Haitian students and families and to help staff recognize how cultural and linguistic differences may shape everyday experiences at school.