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.
This resource provides information, suggested strategies, and links to resources that support Head Start staff in their efforts to engage parents and caregivers with disabilities and learning differences thoughtfully and intentionally.
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.
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.
Programs can use this resource, created in partnership with parents, to guide the development of their family engagement strategies and parent leadership opportunities.
Each March is a renewed opportunity to honor and celebrate the social work profession nationally. These unsung heroes have a profound, positive impact on the lives of millions of people every day.
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.
Hear how home visitors can use reflective practice to effectively support families' goals for their children. Explore resources that support reflective practices.
Head Start programs must integrate parent and family engagement strategies into all systems and program services to support family well-being and promote children’s learning and development.