2. NAEYC Engaging Diverse Families Project By Sarah Armstrong

3. Overview O Program was developed to O Meet the challenge of engaging families in their child’s early learning and development. O Goals: O Develop research based definition of family engagement O Identify exemplary family engagement practices O To share information with the early care and education

4. Principle #1 Programs invite families to participate in decision making and goals setting for their children. How? O Intake questionnaire O Primary Caregivers O Parent-teacher conferences

5. Principle #2 Teachers and programs engage families in two-way communication. How? O Face-to-Face Communication O Orientation events O Regular Parent-Teacher Conferences O Usually twice a year O Home visits O Phone Conversations O Conversations at drop-off and pickup times

6. Principle #3 Programs and teachers engage families in ways that are truly reciprocal. How? O Gather Information O Complete getting-to-know-you forms O Family surveys O Social Events O Open houses O Festivals O Family fun nights O Potluck meals

7. Family Surveys What should they include? O Input on program-specific practices and policies O Assess family needs and wants O Family expectations for their child’s learning O Learn if families take advantage of opportunities it has available

8. Principle #3 continued…… O Provide Information O List of tasks, ideas, and opportunities to participate O Staff biographies O Websites O Bulletin Boards O Structured Family Participation O Families share their culture, skills, and talents

9. Principle #4 Programs provide learning activities for the home and in the community. How? O Children’s Learning O Home Activities O Adult Education O GED O English-language classes O Parenting classes O Social Services

10. Principle #5 How? O Boards and Committees O Board of Directors O Fund Raisers Committee O Building Committee O Public Policy Level O Advocacy O Voter Registration O Postcard Campaigns O Petitions Programs invite families to participate in program- level decisions and wider advocacy efforts.

11. Principle #6 Programs implement a comprehensive program-level system of family engagement. How? O Effective Leadership O Diverse Staff O Anti-bias Curriculum O Professional Development

12. Professional Development O Training and Resources on the following topics O Supporting families on immigration issues O Listening and talking with parents O Cultural Diversity O Helping parent cope with stress O Creating partnerships with families O Learning a second language

13. References O NAEYC-About the Engaging Diverse Families O http://www.naeyc.org/familyengagement/ab out http://www.naeyc.org/familyengagement/ab out