Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Displaying 63 results

Positive and Goal-oriented Relationships

Teacher talking with a mother and her child in the classroom. 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.

Challenges

Mon, 06/10/2019 - 11:51

Many home visitors observe serious challenges that affect relationships with families and require immediate action. Find out ways programs can put policies in place to meet these kinds of situations.

Joint Planning

Mon, 06/10/2019 - 15:23

Explore Joint Planning

Observing to Build Relationships with Families

Thu, 10/24/2019 - 14:14

Sharing observations with children’s families strengthens the home-program connection. Learn more about this important reason for observing children.

Tips for Responding to Disclosures About Domestic Violence

Wed, 11/20/2019 - 13:32

Learn about ways to support people who have disclosed or shared their experiences of violence. There are no “perfect words” to say. The key is to simply listen, convey empathy, and offer support.

Partnering with Families to Address Domestic Violence

Fri, 11/22/2019 - 10:17

Find resources that program staff can use as a guide to talk with families about healthy relationships and domestic violence in a trauma-informed way.

Your Child Is Going to Kindergarten: Making the Move Together

Fri, 12/06/2019 - 00:53

This guide offers tips, organized across a timeline, for families to engage in the kindergarten transition and support their children throughout the process.

Supporting Families Experiencing Homelessness Webinar Series

Tue, 12/10/2019 - 14:56

Watch this three-part webinar series features exemplary practices from Head Start programs and collaboration directors.

Reflective Practice in Home-Based Programs

Fri, 01/17/2020 - 10:02

Hear how home visitors can use reflective practice to effectively support families' goals for their children. Explore resources that support reflective practices.

Engaging Families in Home-Based Programs

Tue, 02/04/2020 - 11:29

Learn how home visitors can effectively engage with families and support parents in their role as their child's first teacher. Explore the benefits for families enrolled in the home-based option.