Close personal relationships are key to the health and well-being of people at any age. They may be the single best prevention strategy for depression. Just as Head Start staff seek to engage parents and families in healthy, supportive relationships, it is important that they too have structured support and guidance. Supervision is not only about staff accountability, but also involves the commitment to nurture and guide staff so that they have the tools to engage children and families successfully.

What is Supportive Supervision?

Supportive relationships between supervisors and supervisees contribute to staff’s ability to reflect upon and cope with the stresses and demands of their work. It is an important aspect of building a safe and healthy climate for staff, families and children in Head Start. Supervision maintains staff productivity and reinforces the goal of caregiving within the program. More>> [PDF, 176KB]