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.
Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework
The Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework is a road map for progress.
Learn MoreEngaging Parents with Disabilities and Learning Differences
This resource provides information, suggested strategies, and links to resources that support Head Start staff in their efforts to engage parents and caregivers with disabilities and learning differences.
Learn MoreEngaging Families of Children with Disabilities
Learn how to effectively partner with families of children with disabilities.
Learn MoreOverview of the Family Services Role in Head Start Programs
This resource offers an introductory guide that describes the key responsibilities, skills, and competencies of the family services staff in their journey with families and children in the program.
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Last Updated: August 5, 2024