As fall conference season approaches, schools are preparing for one of the most important times of the year: parent-teacher meetings. But for families who speak languages other than English at home, these conversations often come with barriers that schools can’t afford to overlook.

Language access isn’t just a courtesy. It’s also a legal requirement and a cornerstone of equitable education. So how can schools ensure that all families are supported, informed, and empowered to engage in their child’s education?

Let’s break it down.

Did You Know?

• 1 in 5 school-aged children in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home.
• 25+ million people in the U.S. are considered Limited English Proficient (LEP).
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act requires schools that receive federal funding to provide meaningful language access.

For multilingual families, that means schools must communicate essential information in a language they understand—not just during conferences, but throughout the school year.

The Parent-Teacher Conference Gap

Imagine a parent arrives at their child’s conference, eager to participate—but the entire meeting is conducted in English. Or worse, the child is asked to interpret for their own parent. These situations create confusion, frustration, and inequity.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, schools are legally required to provide language assistance services for LEP families during key interactions like parent-teacher conferences. These services help ensure that all families—regardless of their primary language—can meaningfully engage with their child’s education.

What Else Must be Translated?

Schools must provide translation and interpretation services for a wide range of communications, not just conferences and events. According to federal guidelines, schools are responsible for ensuring LEP families can access:

• Registration and enrollment in school, including procedures
• Grievance procedures and notices of school programs nondiscrimination
• Language assistance programs provided by the school
• Access to parent handbooks
• Distribution of report cards
• Information about gifted and talented programs
• Student discipline policies and procedures
• Details about magnet and charter schools
• Special education services and related procedures
• Requests for parental permission for meetings regarding special education student participation in school activities
• Parent-teacher conferences and communication involved in these interactions

In short, if a message is important enough to share with English-speaking parents, it must also be shared with LEP parents in their language.

Can Students Translate for Their Families?

As a fundamental principle, children should not be burdened with the responsibility of translating for their parents.

Even if a student is fluent in both languages, interpreting for their own family creates an unfair and inappropriate dynamic. Children may struggle to accurately relay sensitive or technical information, and the pressure can be emotionally taxing.

Schools are responsible for providing qualified interpreters, not placing the burden on students or untrained staff.

The Myth of Bilingualism

It’s a common misconception that any bilingual teacher or administrator can serve as an interpreter. But interpretation and translation in educational settings require:

• Knowledge of education-specific terminology
• Familiarity with confidentiality and ethical standards
• Cultural sensitivity and accuracy
• Professional training and (ideally) certification

To protect families and ensure clear, accurate communication, schools should work with certified professionals through a trusted language service provider.

Trust INGCO This School Conference Season

At INGCO International, we specialize in helping schools meet their language access goals through reliable, professional support. Our education-specific language services include:

• On-demand and scheduled interpretation (in-person, over-the-phone, and virtual)
• Certified document translation (including report cards, IEPs, and parent letters)
• Culturally sensitive communications tailored for multilingual families
• Tools to simplify interpreter scheduling and service tracking

We support everything from parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings to school board presentations, graduation ceremonies, and day-to-day communications like report cards or disciplinary notices. Whether you’re preparing for back-to-school night or sending out an urgent update, we’re here to help you ensure every family feels informed and included.

Let’s Build an Inclusive School Community Together

Language access is more than a compliance checkbox. It’s a commitment to equity and inclusion. When families understand what’s happening in their child’s education, they’re better equipped to support their success.

Ready to bridge the gap?

📞 Contact INGCO International today to learn how we can support your school this conference season—and every season after that.