Strategies for early childhood programs to enhance interactions, engagement, expectations, and communication with families. Working with parents and families can be a challenge, especially when there are contradicting expectations. However, it can also be a joyful and empowering experience for both the program and the family if partnering with families is built into the program s culture. Following a strengths-based approach, Family Engagement in Early Childhood Settings offers all programs, including family child care, center-based programs, and school-based programs, strategies for building or enhancing interactions, engagement, expectations, communication, and participation with families. This Redleaf Quick Guide provides clear information of what to do, as well as what not to do when encouraging family engagement in early care and education programs. Readers will find helpful information on making the best first impressions with parents in-person and online, establishing effective and supportive intake meetings for both parents and program, setting expectations from both perspectives, two-way communication strategies including daily conversations, verbal and technological methods, conferences and documenting learning, and creating a culture of family engagement embedded into every part of your program. Mary Muhs is the department chair for early childhood education at Rasmussen College. She graduated with a master s degree in early childhood administration from National Louis University, maintains a Level 3 IL Director Credential, and is currently pursuing an EdD in early childhood education from Walden University. Mary is also busy as a CDA credential PD specialist, an infant/toddler and health and safety coach for the Center for Inclusive Child Care, a NAEYC higher education peer reviewer, and an active trainer both in-person and online. Her thirty years of experience has helped her develop perspectives from all parts of the early care and education field. |
