Building Partnerships with Families Course
Take this learning course on the Individualized Professional Development (iPD) Portfolio to improve your knowledge and practices about building strong, strengths-based partnerships with families.
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Positive and Goal-oriented Relationships
Positive, goal-oriented relationships develop over time through interactions among parents, family members, and Head Start staff. These relationships are fueled by families’ passion for their children, are based on mutual respect and trust, and affirm and celebrate families’ cultures and languages. They also provide opportunities for two-way communications and include authentic interactions that are meaningful to those who participate in them.
Positive, goal-oriented relationships improve wellness by reducing isolation and stress for both families and staff. Staff and families feel supported in their roles when relationships focus on shared goals for children. In the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework, positive and goal-oriented relationships are essential to integrate throughout the system.
Explore these resources to learn more about building positive, goal-oriented relationships with families to advance positive family and child outcomes.
FEM and the Family Partnership Process
The Family Partnership Process can help you think about families’ goals for economic mobility and how you can partner with them as they take steps to make progress toward those goals.
Following the Family’s Lead in FEM Conversations
When you engage in economic mobility conversations, remember that families are the experts on their children and their situation. Find out how to succeed when you let the family lead.
Phase 1: Recruitment and Enrollment
Enrollment offers many opportunities to talk with families and learn about the strengths, hopes, and challenges that can shape their FEM goals.
Phase 2: Family and Child Assessment
Assessment presents an opportunity for staff to listen to families and learn more about their strengths and basic needs. Through a FEM lens, listen carefully for references associated with economic growth.
Phase 4: Goal Setting with Families
Learn how to use the seven steps for setting and reaching goals with families to provide family economic mobility support.
Phase 5: Follow-up and Review
Situations can change quickly for families. Discover strategies for evaluating and adjusting your approach as you help families work toward their economic stability and mobility goals.
Overview of the Family Services Role in Head Start Programs
This resource offers an introductory guide that describes the key responsibilities, skills, and competencies of the family services staff in their journey with families and children in the program.
Staff Who Work with Families
Beginning your family services journey? This resource can help you recognize and appreciate the important role you play in promoting family well-being and success.
Managers and Supervisors Supporting Family Services Staff
With so many family engagement resources available, onboarding new family services staff can be challenging. Learn how the Overview of the Family Services Role in Head Start Programs eliminates the guesswork.
