The Early Childhood community recognizes that loving, intentional parent involvement is essential to the healthy development of children. Mothers and fathers play an essential role in ensuring the well-being of their children. Therefore, Head Start programs work continually to ensure that fathers, as well as mothers are encouraged to participate and are positively involved in the lives of their children. An ongoing national effort supported by the Administration for Children and Families promotes the involvement of fathers in the early childhood community. Included here are resources on the important role fathers play in the lives of their children — from helping to support healthy social and emotional development to enhancing children’s academic achievement.

The information and resources are related to the subjects listed below:

Father-Friendly Programs
Currently, there is tremendous support for increased parental involvement in early childhood settings, with an emphasis on fathers. The Father-Friendly Environmental Checklist, provided in this section, includes ideas for creating father-friendly programs.

Father Involvement
Research shows that fathers are critical to the positive development and well-being of a child. This section includes a variety of information about the important role that fathers play in the lives of their children.

Male Involvement*
An important strategy in the effort to increase parent involvement in early childhood programs is involving other significant male role models. This section discusses the difference between male involvement and father involvement.

*Coming soon