Discover the importance of storytelling when collaborating and developing relationships with children and families. Learn to communicate with families and understand their values, strengths, and goals for the future.

Learn about the dreams and experiences of families who migrate to the United States to create a better life for their children.

Watch a Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program staff member interview families about their personal experiences as migrant workers in the U.S. These interactions help program staff understand the authentic needs and goals of families. In this way, storytelling can build partnerships based in trust, honor, and respect.

Storytelling is a powerful technique to begin building relationships with migrant families. This video describes how storytelling has opened up new ways for Head Start and Early Head Start programs to connect with families.

Asking the right questions and listening carefully and respectfully are equally important in the process of learning about families’ personal stories. Being objective while a family shares their history helps them open their hearts and share their strengths, interests, and needs.

Watch this video to learn specific strategies to use to encourage families to open up about what is most important to them.

Active listening is an important skill for all Head Start and Early Head Start staff. Watch this video to learn more about how listening, body language, and eye contact can help encourage families to share their stories.

Listen and empathize with families about the hardships they have endured. Watch this video to see how staff can connect with and support families, even when there may not be ready solutions to address their challenges.