Watch this video for tips that programs can use to bring families together and build a strong sense of community. Sheltering Arms Educare Program in Atlanta, GA shares real-life experiences from their Head Start/Early Head Start program. Discover ways for parents to share experiences and build connections that improve family well-being and contribute to better outcomes for children.
Head Start programs recognize parents’ roles as children’s first and lifelong teachers. Review requirements for engaging parents and family members in the program's education services and policy implementation.
Programs must collaborate with parents to promote children’s health and well-being by providing medical, oral, nutrition and mental health education support services that are understandable to everyone.
Head Start programs must integrate parent and family engagement strategies into all systems and program services to support family well-being and promote children’s learning and development.
This standard requires programs to promote shared responsibility with parents for children’s early learning and development and offer opportunities to participate in a research-based parenting curriculum.
Review the requirements for developing a family partnerships process that identifies family strengths and needs and features an approach that individualizes services.
Review the standards for developing community partnerships and coordinating with other early childhood programs through memoranda of understanding, quality rating and improvement systems, and data.
Explore these professional development sessions for family services managers and coordinators designed to enhance capacity to lead parent, family, and community engagement in your program.
Explore these professional development sessions for Head Start staff. They are designed to increase ability to lead parent, family, and community engagement in your program.
Learn more about the Planning Guide and Organizational Readiness Chart. Find out how programs can use it to create strategic planning to ensure high-quality services for children and families.
Last Updated: October 5, 2017