This measure determines if families are invited to participate in program events, such as special occasions, celebrations, support groups, and other program-related activities. Invitations may include formal and informal invitations, including event sign-in sheets, flyers, calendars, email reminders, and social media posts. Events that occurred more than 12 months ago, having an “Open Door” policy, and events hosted by other organizations do not constitute family involvement in program activities.
Category: Category 3: Program Administration
Subcategory: Family Involvement
Examples
In this section you will find videos, images, and/or documents that can be used to better understand this measure. These examples can also be used in conversations between mentors, directors, and/or teachers to discuss how the program's current practices compare to these examples.
Example Document
This sample flyer tells families everything they need to know about an upcoming family workshop that focuses on building preschoolers’ literacy skills.
Age(s): Preschool
Example Document
The following invitation is an example of a flyer program leaders can share with enrolled families to encourage attendance and participation in program-related events. In addition to event flyers, programs are encouraged to also take photographs and to keep record of sign-in sheets from events as evidence.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Practice Opportunities
These resources include tips, strategies, activities, or specific tools related to this measure that programs can put into practice.
Guide
Providing families with various opportunities to actively participate in the early learning program sets the foundation for strong family involvement. This document contains some ideas of how to involve families in program activities.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Checklist
This checklist helps teachers track key tasks for family event planning. There is also room to record specific activities and materials needed for the event.
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool
Toolkit
Hosting planned, playful, and purposeful family events are an excellent way to prepare parents to be successful home educators and engage as partners in their child’s educational support team. Choose a workshop from Teaching Together (pre-K) or Supporting Sprouts (infant/toddler) to get started!
Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool
