Explore this series to learn ways to support parents as advocates and leaders in your program and at home.

When a baby is on the way, family needs become more complex. A network of community partners can help. 

Explore and share these tip sheets and other resources for expectant families.

Early Head Start (EHS) staff engage pregnant mothers and expectant families as they prepare for their new baby. Connecting families to comprehensive prenatal care, such as nutrition education, oral health care, and mental health supports, is all part of the process. This includes engaging fathers from the beginning. Understanding what to expect during pregnancy and after the birth can help young families feel better prepared to face parenthood.

Learn how to engage families when they have concerns that a child is at risk for a disability or developmental delay, communicating the benefits of screenings and providing support when children will need further evaluation.

Explore ways early childhood staff can partner with families to understand and respond to children's behavior as communication. Find strategies for working with families of children ages birth to 5.

Staff can use this module to learn how to work alongside and engage fathers in early care and education programs.

Learn how to work alongside families to support children’s ongoing development and learning through everyday interactions and experiences. Use this module in professional development settings.

Use these learning modules in professional development or within higher education course of study. Increase knowledge, skills, and practice about engaging families in early childhood settings. 

Explore this learning module in professional development settings.  Learn more about how to create a relationship-based culture that supports family engagement.