Introduce
Why is it important to engage families?
Family engagement is crucial in the early years of a child’s development as families play an essential role in the earliest years of children’s lives.
Engaging families can help support parents to establish a home environment which is nurturing and supportive for children in the early years. Responsive relationships are the foundation for healthy brain development. A child’s development may be disrupted, if an adult’s responses are absent, unreliable or inappropriate. Find out more about the important role of parents here: Serve and Return (harvard.edu)
Develop
Image source: Lorna Colter
Reflect
Stop and Reflect: The following questions encourage reflection on the vital role families play in a child’s early development and the benefits of actively engaging them in the process.
– How does family engagement positively influence a child’s learning and development in your setting?
– What impact does a strong partnership with families have?
– Is family engagement a priority in your setting/role?
– How can you strengthen the ways in which you work in partnership with families?