Respect Family Privacy and Confidentiality
Read these examples of respecting the privacy and confidentiality of families to strengthen relationships and trust. Then explore reflective questions to strengthen this practice.
Family Support and Well-being
Family well-being occurs when all family members are safe, healthy, and have chances for educational advancement and economic mobility. Support services such as early care and education, housing and food assistance, and physical and mental health care positively contribute to the well-being of families and their children. When families face challenges that cause stress, including poverty and homelessness, their health and wellness can be negatively impacted. Engaging families as active participants in problem-solving and goal-setting can help them identify and use their own strengths to address the challenges they face. When families are healthy, safe, and economically stable, their children's health and well-being can thrive.
Connect Families with Additional Supports
Explore these examples of connecting with other community organizations to help families access supports outside of Head Start. Then ask reflective questions to strengthen this practice.
Develop Short- and Long-Term Well-Being Goals
Read examples of supporting families to develop specific short- and long-term goals for well-being, along with reflective questions to strengthen this practice.
Make Safety a Priority for Families and Self
Explore practical examples of addressing safety issues for families, children, and service providers. Then delve into reflective questions to strengthen this practice.
Check In and Partner with Families
Explore examples of checking in and partnering with families to create and strengthen relationships, along with reflective questions to strengthen this practice.
Using the RBCs to Promote Family Well-being
Learn more about the concept of family well-being, the role of family services professionals and home visitors in supporting family well-being, and the systemic barriers to well-being that families face.
Families Moving Forward: The Fundamentals of Economic Mobility
The video explores parent and family engagement in Head Start programs and the efforts of family services professionals working with families as they move towards their own version of the “American Dream.”
2021 Family Economic Mobility Institute
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.
Reflection and Planning Tool for Partnering with Families Experiencing Homelessness
Use this tool to reflect on your program’s relationship-building practices and plan for next steps in supporting families experiencing homelessness.
Supporting Professionals Who Support Families: The Parallel Process
Consider how you might enhance what you already do to partner with families experiencing homelessness. Use this tool to reflect on your program’s relationship-building practices and plan for the next steps in supporting families experiencing homelessness.