This four-module learning course serves as an orientation tool for onboarding new family services staff and home visitors engaged in family services work. It can also be used as a refresher for staff with experience providing family services. The course is accessible on the Individualized Professional Development (iPD) Portfolio and continuing education units are awarded for completion.

Introduction to the Family Services Role in Head Start and Early Head Start Programs includes the four modules listed below:

1. Foundations of Family Services — Learn the Head Start approach to family and community engagement using the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework.
2. Building Relationships with Families — Discover the key strategies and practices you can use to help you build relationships with families, including strengths-based attitudes and relationship-based practices.
3. On the Job in Family Services — Learn about your role in the outreach, recruitment, and enrollment processes; the family partnership process; and goal-setting with families. 
4. Community Partnerships and Engagement — Explore why it's important for the family services professional to engage with other providers and strategies to advance community partnerships.

Each module enhances the essential family services knowledge base and clarifies expectations about the role. They also provide strategies and resources to help family services staff effectively perform their job and interact with families.

Last Updated: August 8, 2024