Why build family partnerships? (a)(1)
What are the essential elements of a family partnership agreement? (a)(2)
Pre-existing Plans (a)(3)
Collaborating with Parents and Diversity (a)(4)
Follow-Up (b)(2)

[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 45, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2005]
[CITE: 45CFR1304.20] [Page 129-132]
TITLE 45--PUBLIC WELFARE
CHAPTER XIII--OFFICE OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PART 1304_PROGRAM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE OPERATION OF HEAD START PROGRAMS BY GRANTEE AND DELEGATE AGENCIES--Table of Contents
Subpart C_Family Partnerships

45CFR 1304.40

(a) Family goal setting.

(1) Grantee and delegate agencies must engage in a process of collaborative partnership-building with parents to establish mutual trust and to identify family goals, strengths, and necessary services and other supports. This process must be initiated as early after enrollment as possible and it must take into consideration each family's readiness and willingness to participate in the process.

(2) As part of this ongoing partnership, agencies must offer parents opportunities to develop and implement individualized family partnership agreements that describe family goals, responsibilities, timetables and strategies for achieving these goals as well as progress in achieving them. In home-based program options, this agreement must include the above information as well as the specific roles of parents in home visits and group socialization activities.

(3) To avoid duplication of effort, or conflict with, any preexisting family plans developed between other programs and the Early Head Start or Head Start family, the family partnership agreement must take into account, and build upon as appropriate, information obtained from the family and other community agencies concerning preexisting family plans. Grantee and delegate agencies must coordinate, to the extent possible, with families and other agencies to support the accomplishment of goals in the preexisting plans.

(4) A variety of opportunities must be created by grantee and delegate agencies for interaction with parents throughout the year.

(5) Meetings and interactions with families must be respectful of each family's diversity and cultural and ethnic background. (4) In collaboration with parents, staff develop a variety of group and individual opportunities to interact with parents on a regular basis. Interactions with families recognize the customs and beliefs of children and families.