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 MoreStrategies to Support and Engage Families Virtually
Explore this resource to learn the benefits of engaging families virtually and five evidence-based strategies for virtual family engagement. Use the tools to plan and develop an action plan for implementation.
Learn MoreStaff-Parent Relationships That Honor and Support Parenting
Explore this resource to foster positive parent-child relationships through everyday staff-parent relationships. Find prompts and questions that invite partnership-building conversations with parents.
Learn More2020 Virtual Family Services Manager Institute
Explore these professional development sessions for family services managers and coordinators. They are designed to enhance capacity to lead parent, family, and community engagement in your program.
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Last Updated: March 10, 2022