Migrant and Seasonal Head Start

Learn about the dreams and experiences of families who migrate to the United States to create a better life for their children.

Watch a Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program staff member interview families about their personal experiences as migrant workers in the U.S. These interactions help program staff understand the authentic needs and goals of families. In this way, storytelling can build partnerships based in trust, honor, and respect.

Storytelling is a powerful technique to begin building relationships with migrant families. This video describes how storytelling has opened up new ways for Head Start and Early Head Start programs to connect with families.

Asking the right questions and listening carefully and respectfully are equally important in the process of learning about families’ personal stories. Being objective while a family shares their history helps them open their hearts and share their strengths, interests, and needs.

Watch this video to learn specific strategies to use to encourage families to open up about what is most important to them.

Active listening is an important skill for all Head Start staff. Watch this video to learn more about how listening, body language, and eye contact can help encourage families to share their stories.

Learn how Head Start and Early Head Start staff can help families reflect on past experiences. Effective reflection can help staff members better understand families’ hopes and dreams. In turn, staff members can help families recognize their skills, abilities, and goals.

Confidentiality is critical for developing strong and trusting relationships, especially for migrant families. It is important for migrant families to understand that personal information will be kept confidential. When families trust staff and share openly, staff can better help families access needed support and services.

When families share their stories, staff can better understand and identify resources to help families achieve those goals. In some cases, storytelling can help families recognize their accomplishments, resources, skills, and abilities.

When families share their stories with staff, it can be an emotional experience. Staff can encourage storytelling by sharing experiences or goals they may have in common with families. Recognizing these common ties and honoring the storytelling process can help strengthen relationship between staff and families.