Engaging families of children with disabilities is essential to supporting children’s learning and development. It is rooted in foundational Head Start resources, including the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework and Relationship-based Competencies to Support Family Engagement.

Learning about the hopes and goals of families of children with disabilities is important. It is equally crucial to communicate to families in culturally and linguistically responsive and appropriate ways. This helps build and strengthen the partnership between you and the family. This strong partnership will support the family’s active involvement in the special education process, including screenings, evaluations, Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP), Individualized Education Plans (IEP), and transitions.

These resources highlight relationship-based practices used to partner with families of children with disabilities, from program entry through the transition to kindergarten.