Handout 3: The Staff-Parent Connection in Head Start
Instructions: Each individual staff person's experience in parent involvement is unique. Staff may have a range of approaches and viewpoints on involving parents. In this activity, you will use interviewing techniques to examine staff support for parent involvement in your Head Start program.
Approach the person you wish to interview at a convenient time (such as during break or during planning or staff development time). Let the person know that you will be asking only three questions, so the interview should not take more than 15 to 20 minutes.
Begin the interview by stating your goal: to learn more about how parent involvement happens in this program. This way, your co-worker will understand your purpose and can help you keep the conversation focused.
Take brief notes as you interview. When you have finished each question, stop to review your notes or add to them. Say, "These are the main points I heard you say." Then summarize what you heard. This gives the person a chance to correct or add to their response.
After you have covered the four questions, ask the person you are interviewing if he or she would like to add anything more. Then thank them for their time. Let them know what you learned from the interview.
Finally, while the conversation is still fresh in your mind, go through your notes once more. Add any important points you remember.
After you have completed all your interviews, meet with your coach to talk over what you have learned.
An interview sheet is provided. Make copies for each interview you plan to do.
Staff Parent Interview Sheet
Instructions: Begin by stating: "Parent involvement has always been an important part of Head Start's success. I'm trying to learn more about how parent involvement happens in our program. I'd like to ask you a few questions."
- What do you think are the strengths of our parent involvement program? What do you think parents find most useful?
- If we wanted to involve all parents, what would need to change about the program?
- Are there things staff needs to do differently to involve all parents?