Effective family engagement involves using virtual communication tools and strategies to build relationships with parents, families, and caregivers and work with them to achieve their families’ goals. These tools and strategies should be equitable, inclusive, and culturally and linguistically responsive. Virtual communication tools include text, phone, video conferencing, online chat, apps, websites, email, and social media.
Head Start and Early Head Start family services staff have used various virtual options and strategies to provide services and support for children and families. Staff can use this resource to build on their existing knowledge, expertise, and resources for developing positive and goal-oriented relationships with families.
This resource explores the following:
- The benefits of engaging families virtually
- Five evidence-based strategies for virtual family engagement
- Planning for virtual family engagement
You will also find questions for reflection and additional resources.
Office of Head Start Guidance
When making decisions about virtual service enhancements for family services and engagement efforts, programs should consult ACF-PI-HS-21-04 Office of Head Start (OHS) Expectations for Head Start Programs in Program Year (PY) 2021–2022 and their regional office.
Last Updated: July 22, 2024