Journeys of Hope and Courage - The Migrant Experience
Learn about the dreams and experiences of families who migrate to the United States to create a better life for their children.
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Family Engagement
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.
Journeys of Hope and Courage - A Storytelling Point of View
Watch a Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program staff member interview families about their personal experiences as migrant workers in the U.S. These interactions help program staff understand the authentic needs and goals of families. In this way, storytelling can build partnerships based in trust, honor, and respect.
Journeys of Hope and Courage - The Storytelling Technique
Storytelling is a powerful technique to begin building relationships with migrant families. This video describes how storytelling has opened up new ways for Head Start and Early Head Start programs to connect with families.
Journeys of Hope and Courage - Asking and Listening
Asking the right questions and listening carefully and respectfully are equally important in the process of learning about families’ personal stories. Being objective while a family shares their history helps them open their hearts and share their strengths, interests, and needs.
Journeys of Hope and Courage - The Importance of Questions
Watch this video to learn specific strategies to use to encourage families to open up about what is most important to them.
Journeys of Hope and Courage - The Importance of Listening
Active listening is an important skill for all Head Start staff. Watch this video to learn more about how listening, body language, and eye contact can help encourage families to share their stories.
Journeys of Hope and Courage - Empathizing
Listen and empathize with families about the hardships they have endured. Watch this video to see how staff can connect with and support families, even when there may not be ready solutions to address their challenges.
Journeys of Hope and Courage - Reflecting
Learn how Head Start and Early Head Start staff can help families reflect on past experiences. Effective reflection can help staff members better understand families’ hopes and dreams. In turn, staff members can help families recognize their skills, abilities, and goals.
Journeys of Hope and Courage - Confidentiality
Confidentiality is critical for developing strong and trusting relationships, especially for migrant families. It is important for migrant families to understand that personal information will be kept confidential. When families trust staff and share openly, staff can better help families access needed support and services.
Journeys of Hope and Courage - A Strength-Based Perspective
When families share their stories, staff can better understand and identify resources to help families achieve those goals. In some cases, storytelling can help families recognize their accomplishments, resources, skills, and abilities.
