Module 1

Communicating in the Head Start Community

Outcomes
As a result of completing this module, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role communication plays in creating and maintaining positive relationships,
• Identify factors that enhance the appeal of messages, and
• Recognize that every communication is an opportunity to reinforce Head Start's mission of valuing parents.

Key Concepts

• Effective interpersonal communication is the key to building staff/ parent partnerships. This partnership recognizes and supports the significant role that parents play in the Head Start program and in the lives of their children.
• Effective staff/parent communication is a two-way process, where both staff and parents give and receive information and feel valued.
• People respond positively to communications that are relevant and appealing, and that are expressed clearly. By understanding and employing the factors that contribute to successful communications, staff can increase the effectiveness of their communications with parents.

Background Information
Effective communication is probably the single most important factor that influences the success of the partnership between parents and staff. While much has been written and said about the pivotal role of communication in staff and parent relationships, the one clear constant is that communication requires ongoing practice - practice in listening, observing, reflecting, speaking, and writing.

However, before beginning to practice the many and varied discrete skills that go into effective communication, it is important to consider the value of communication, The value lies in the experience of understanding and being understood, not in any particular skills used to make a point. Too often in a communication, we focus on the message that we want to get across, forgetting to be open to what the other person is trying to say. A dynamic, two-way communication can take place only when both parties feel valued, accepted, and secure in the knowledge that they will be heard and respected. Therefore, the key to effective communication is to begin by creating a "positive space" for sharing.

Another key to effective communication is to always take the time to consider the individual with whom we are communicating. This is particularly important when communicating with parents at Head Start because they, like everyone else in our modern society, are overwhelmed with demands on their attention. Balancing family, work, school, and personal life often requires parents to juggle activities, do two things at once, rush through tasks, or make choices on what will and won't get done. To cope with all of the competing demands for their time, people naturally tend to select some things to focus on, others to ignore, and still others to do with only half their attention.

What this means for Head Start staff is that they cannot always assume that the message they intend to send is being received - whether it be in a group meeting, in a one-on-one conversation, or through a written message. Staff can, however, increase the likelihood that a parent will focus on a particular communication by presenting information in a way that clearly relates it to the individual parent's needs and interests, is easily understood by that parent, and matches that parent's particular communication style.

A key reason behind the success of the children in Head Start is staff and parents working together. Successful communication between staff and parents is therefore essential. Staff can ensure that kind of success by always opening communication in a positive way and by tailoring their communication to match the individual.