Activities that Head Start programs may find useful for reinforcing and expanding staff training on Family Partnerships: A Continuous Process are presented below.
Continuing Education
Encourage staff to enroll in institutions of higher education and take courses related to their work with families, such as family development, strategies for working with adult learners, counseling, family systems, and case management. As a staff resource at the Head Start program, keep a collection of current course catalogs from local community education programs, colleges and universities, and other centers of learning. Make sure information on financial aid, scholarships, and other sources of tuition support is available.
Skill-Building Activities
Promote staff attendance at professional seminars and conferences that provide skill development opportunities and reinforce professional practices. Conferences and seminars are sponsored by a variety of organizations and professional associations, such as the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), Family Resource Coalition (FRC), National Association of Family Based Services (NAFBS), National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and National Head Start Association (NHSA).
Peer Study Groups
Help staff organize a study group to focus on areas of professionalism and
continuing professional development. Members of this group can invite experts
to speak on topics related to professionalism, professional standards, and
challenges facing professionals working with families. Encourage staff to
commit to personal and professional development by joining
a professional organization and discussing publications that provide the latest
information on family-centered services. Organizations, books, and journals
to suggest to staff are described in the Resources section of this guide.