Question

Contribute to Program-Wide Support for Families Here are some strategies that programs may use as part of their approach to setting the stage for effective family engagement. The work of each teacher is important individually and in the context of overall program policies and practices. When a program has a family engagement system, teachers can develop and use strategies that fit within the overall goals and priorities of the system. If there is not a system, or it is still under development, teachers can refer to NAEYC's six principles of family engagement for guidance. Typically, teachers participate in designing the family engagement approach and in regularly assessing and updating it to make sure it works for the families whose children are enrolled in the program. The following sections offer some ideas that you can support at your program, along with ways that you can participate in program-wide efforts. They include creating an environment that welcomes families, handling initial inquiries, conducting informational meetings, and taking part in enrollment and transitions. Families and Educators Together