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 MoreFamily Services Managers’ Seasonal Program Planning Tool
Family services managers can use this tool as a road map to plan and organize family services tasks and activities throughout the program year.
Learn MoreEngaging Families of Children with Disabilities
Learn how to effectively partner with families of children with disabilities.
Learn MoreIntroduction to the Family Services Role
Explore this four-module iPD course to enhance your knowledge base, clarify expectations, and provide strategies to perform family services effectively.
Learn MoreExplore Resources
Last Updated: July 18, 2023