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.

Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework

The Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework is a road map for progress.

Elevating Family Voice in Head Start Programs

Created with parents, this resource helps staff understand family voice—why it matters and how it can improve services and policies.

Engaging Families of Children with Disabilities

Learn how to effectively partner with families of children with disabilities.

A Leader's Guide to a Coaching Approach for Family Services

This guide helps family services supervisors plan and implement the Coaching Approach to strengthen staff skills and practice. Includes tools.