This assignment consists of three parts. In the first part you will be developing a family involvement plan with the goal of developing family partnerships within an early childhood program. In the second part of the assignment you will be interviewing a Head Start teacher, family support person, or director to determine what strategies they use to support effective family partnerships within their early childhood environment. In the third part you will then be evaluating their plan.  

Part One: Before you interview an early childhood teacher or director:

1. Review your text readings and class notes to decide the following (this does not need to be turned in)
   1. What role do/should families play in early childhood programs?
   2. How can sensitivities to differences in families be planned for in developing partnerships?
   3. What specific strategies can be utilized to ensure that families are involved in their child’s education?
   4. What ongoing communication strategies should be a vital component of early childhood programs?
   5. How can home-school continuity be cultivated?
2. After reflecting on the above, develop an ideal family involvement plan that answers each of the following questions. Record your answers on the “Family Involvement Plan Form” handout.
   1. A statement of the roles families should play in early childhood programs.
   2. How your plan will demonstrate sensitivities to differences in family roles, structure, and comfort in the early childhood environment.
   3. Specific strategies you will utilize to make sure families are involved.
   4. Daily communication strategies you will use to ensure involvement.
   5. Strategies you will utilize to support home-school continuity.
3. Schedule an interview with a teacher, family support person, or director from a Head Start Program in your area.

Part Two: Interview

Interview an early childhood teacher or director regarding how they support family involvement at their early childhood program. Ask these questions, based on the above questions, so you will be able to compare their family involvement plan with the one you created.

1. A statement of the roles families play in their early childhood program.
2. How they demonstrate sensitivities to differences in family roles, structure, culture, linguistics and comfort in the early childhood environment.
3. Specific strategies they utilize to make sure families are involved.
4. Daily communication strategies they use to ensure involvement.
5. Strategies they utilize to support home-school continuity.