Workshops/How To Work With Families

Five-Step Protocol For Personnel Preparation

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Introducing Co-Trainers
* Co-trainers introduce themselves as parent and teacher duos for an activity that teaches a collaborative consultative skill. The co-trainers briefly describe their experience using each skill and give an example of how they use it.
Reading the Family Story
* Co-trainers explain that each session’s family-based activity is based on a “real” family who is receiving Head Start services. Co-trainers take turns reading the story aloud, in order to give participants a sense that the story is actually “happening”. Handouts focus on family concerns.
Taking the Family Picture
* Co-trainers describe the family-focused aspect of each skill. Participants construct a family sculpture or ecological “map”. Handouts focus on social policy and family relationships.
Teaching the Skills
* Co-trainers conduct a preset activity, based on family-child concerns and learning style, demonstrating the skill.
Reflecting on the Learning:
* Co-trainers and participants jointly write several sentences to briefly share their personal and professional learning.