Strategies for Program Leaders to Support Father Engagement
Explore strategies to expand program leadership practices related to father engagement in Head Start programs. Discover opportunities for practice and reflection.
Father Engagement
Father and male caregiver engagement is a vital and integrated aspect of parent, family, and community work. Head Start programs partner with fathers and male caregivers to:
- Promote positive outcomes for their children, families, and themselves
- Help them develop their skills and interests and achieve goals for themselves and their families
- Support them as advocates, lifelong educators, and first teachers of their children.
Explore these resources to learn ways to enhance your program’s father engagement efforts.
Five Ways Fathers Support Their Child’s Learning Every Day
This resource highlights the five ways fathers already support their child's learning each day.
Celebrate Fathers in Head Start Programs
Review this infographic to learn about the importance of the father–child relationship and what Head Start programs can do to support it.
Engaging Expectant Families, Including Fathers
Early Head Start (EHS) staff engage pregnant mothers and expectant families as they prepare for their new baby. Connecting families to comprehensive prenatal care, such as nutrition education, oral health care, and mental health supports, is all part of the process. This includes engaging fathers from the beginning. Understanding what to expect during pregnancy and after the birth can help young families feel better prepared to face parenthood.
Engaging Fathers in Early Learning
Staff can use this module to learn how to work alongside and engage fathers in early care and education programs.
Engaging Fathers and Male Caregivers
Explore these resources to learn ways to enhance your program’s father engagement efforts.
Father Engagement Strategies
Explore ways to engage fathers in children's development. These quick strategies can enhance father engagement efforts in early childhood programs.
Celebrating What Fathers Do Every Day: Wall Posters
Display these wall posters to celebrate fathers’ passion for their children and the many things they do for their children every day.
Engaging Fathers
Explore the strategies that Early Education Services in Brattleboro, VT uses to engage fathers in their children's learning and development. In this Head Start program, dedicated fathers learn from one another and make connections. They also learn to build a community that helps them fulfill their role as one of the most important people in their children's lives.
Fatherhood Connection Webinar Series
This three-part webinar series focuses on effective and intentional father engagement. Learn how engaging fathers promotes children’s learning and development and strengthens the parent-child relationship.