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Family Engagement

Family engagement is a collaborative and strengths-based process through which early childhood professionals, families, and children build positive and goal-oriented relationships. It is a shared responsibility of families and staff at all levels that requires mutual respect for the roles and strengths each has to offer. Family engagement focuses on culturally and linguistically responsive relationship-building with key family members in a child’s life. These people include pregnant women and expectant families, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other adult caregivers. It requires making a commitment to creating and sustaining an ongoing partnership that supports family well-being. It also honors and supports the parent-child relationships that are central to a child’s healthy development, school readiness, and well-being. The Office of Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework is a guide to learning how family engagement promotes positive, enduring change for children, families, and communities.

Using a Parallel Process

The positive, goal-directed relationships Head Start staff form with parents can strengthen the relationships parents have with their children. This parallel process supports parents in self-discovery.

Co-creating Strong Bonds

Secure relationships are the foundation of trust. By using positive, strengths-based attitudes, staff can create trusting, supportive partnerships with parents.

Addressing Barriers that Limit Attendance

Many programs may face low family attendance at group socializations for a variety of reasons. Find out ways programs can meet this challenge and address low family attendance.

2020 Virtual Family Services Manager Institute

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.

Home-Based Parent Video Series

In this set of videos, learn about the home-based program option. Find out how home visits work, what parents can expect from a home visitor, and the role parent's play in the development of their child.