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NAEYC Engaging Diverse Families Project. By Sarah Armstrong. Overview. Program was developed to Meet the challenge of engaging families in their child’s early learning and development. Goals: Develop research based definition of family engagement
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NAEYC Engaging Diverse Families Project By Sarah Armstrong
Overview • Program was developed to • Meet the challenge of engaging families in their child’s early learning and development. • Goals: • Develop research based definition of family engagement • Identify exemplary family engagement practices • To share information with the early care and education
Principle #1 Programs invite families to participate in decision making and goals setting for their children. How? • Intake questionnaire • Primary Caregivers • Parent-teacher conferences
Principle #2 Teachers and programs engage families in two-way communication. How? • Face-to-Face Communication • Orientation events • Regular Parent-Teacher Conferences • Usually twice a year • Home visits • Phone Conversations • Conversations at drop-off and pickup times
Principle #3 Programs and teachers engage families in ways that are truly reciprocal. How? • Gather Information • Complete getting-to-know-you forms • Family surveys • Social Events • Open houses • Festivals • Family fun nights • Potluck meals
Family SurveysWhat should they include? • Input on program-specific practices and policies • Assess family needs and wants • Family expectations for their child’s learning • Learn if families take advantage of opportunities it has available
Principle #3 continued…… • Provide Information • List of tasks, ideas, and opportunities to participate • Staff biographies • Websites • Bulletin Boards • Structured Family Participation • Families share their culture, skills, and talents
Principle #4 Programs provide learning activities for the home and in the community. How? • Children’s Learning • Home Activities • Adult Education • GED • English-language classes • Parenting classes • Social Services
Principle #5 Programs invite families to participate in program-level decisions and wider advocacy efforts. How? • Boards and Committees • Board of Directors • Fund Raisers Committee • Building Committee • Public Policy Level • Advocacy • Voter Registration • Postcard Campaigns • Petitions
Principle #6Programs implement a comprehensive program-level system of family engagement. How? • Effective Leadership • Diverse Staff • Anti-bias Curriculum • Professional Development
Professional Development • Training and Resources on the following topics • Supporting families on immigration issues • Listening and talking with parents • Cultural Diversity • Helping parent cope with stress • Creating partnerships with families • Learning a second language
References • NAEYC-About the Engaging Diverse Families • http://www.naeyc.org/familyengagement/about