November is Family Engagement Month, an opportunity for child care centers and programs to focus on partnering with parents and family members.
While connecting with families is important year-round, this month can serve as a friendly reminder to spend extra time reflecting on the relationships you’ve built with families, and considering new ways to deepen the connections.
In recognition of Family Engagement Month, we’re sharing some resources that you might find helpful as you consider opportunities to enhance family engagement in your own ECE program:
Family Engagement in Early Learning Programs: This article from the G2K archives defines family engagement, explores why it’s important, and offers practical tips for educators and care providers to connect with family members.
Enhancing Family Engagement in Child Care with Early Brain Science: This two-page printable resource from Child Care Aware of America and Vroom includes resources for collaborative events and activities, tips for communicating with families, and suggestions for sharing resources with parents.
Understanding the Power of Parent Involvement: This article from NAEYC was written by educator and director Donna Kirkwood, PhD, who shares her personal experiences building relationships with families. She explores some common barriers to connection, and describes how early learners benefit when their parents spend time in their program or classroom.
