Why ENGAGE?
Professional Development to Make a Difference
Research shows that one-shot PD sessions are not as effective as PD that is relationship-based, reflective, and extended over a period of time. That’s why we have designed a full suite of services for your program:
- Individualized coaching
- Group training sessions that offer practical ways to start partnering with parents TODAY
- Helpful implementation tools
There is no cost to Arkansas licensed child care programs.
The series is paid for by the Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood Education.
Participants receive PDR credits.
Long-Term Benefits
When we partner with families now, our jobs get easier. Families feel supported. Children have better educational outcomes for THE REST OF THEIR LIVES!
ENGAGE Continuum Progression
Agencies and centers are invited to become Partner Programs that complete the full Engage Continuum over a period of 6-7 months. Engage partner programs are encouraged to complete the steps below.
Family child care home providers are encouraged to contact us about how you can participate in the Engage Continuum. Fill out the Contact Us form, and we will reach out to you to discuss an alternative approach.
Click on each step to learn more.
1
Family Engagement Foundations
This course dives into the heart of family engagement—what it truly means, how it differs from family involvement, and why it matters. Educators will explore how strong partnerships with families can positively influence children’s learning and development. Participants will be introduced to the concept of the "emotional bank account" and walk away with simple, effective strategies to strengthen everyday relationships.
2
Communication: Strategies to Build Partnerships
What does a true partnership with families really look like in early childhood settings? This course brings that concept to life by exploring the everyday interactions between educators and families. We’ll take a closer look at how assumptions, while sometimes helpful, can also unintentionally block communication and connection. To support stronger relationships, participants will learn a practical 3-step approach: Acknowledge, Ask, Adapt—a simple framework to build trust, improve conversations, and meet families where they are.
3
Goal Setting with Families
This session builds on the Acknowledge, Ask, Adapt framework, showing how it can be a powerful tool for navigating tough conversations and creating strong, goal-oriented partnerships with families. Participants will explore practical tools for uncovering each family's unique strengths, needs, and priorities. We’ll also explore how family-teacher conferences can serve as valuable opportunities to partner with families to set meaningful, individualized goals for their children.
4
Foundations Strengthening Families
This session explores the Strengthening Families Framework and the five protective factors. Strengthening Families is a research-informed approach to increase family strengths, enhance child development and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. Participants will be encouraged to broaden their perspective—from focusing solely on children to embracing a family-centered approach that creates lasting impact.
5
Onboarding with Director + Center Assessment Review
Our trainers meet one on one with the Center Director to explain all the elements of the Engage Continuum. We will also review the Centers current family engagement practices to assess what’s currently working and what goals the director would like to achieve in the future. These one-on-one coaching calls will continue through the center’s participation in the Engage Continuum. We will also provide directors with a confidential family survey they can use to gather feedback from parents and caregivers.
6
Teacher Coaching
Our trainers will offer individual coaching sessions to teachers. The coaching sessions are 10-15 minute check-ins that focus on implementation of strategies learned during training sessions.
Advanced Family Engagement
Groups that complete the Engage Continuum may be ready to take family engagement to the next level through one or both of these trainings and their accompanying tools.
The Family Map
UAMS Red offers training and access to the Family Map Inventories.
These are structured face-to-face interviews that staff conduct with families enrolled in your program.
The interviews identify strengths and risks at home in a respectful way and help staff-parent partners set concrete goals to support each child’s development.
Strengthening Families
Strengthening Families is a research-informed approach to increase family strengths, enhance child development, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. We offer two separate courses about the Strengthening Families initiative.
Introduction to Strengthening Families Protective Factors – This 2 hour course introduces participants to the five key Protective Factors for families and teaches educators how their everyday actions can support families.
Directors Strengthening Families Self Assessment Tool – This course introduces directors to the Strengthening Families Self-Assessment Tool. The tool helps directors determine how well they implement strategies to strengthen families, identify areas that need improvement, and develop an improvement plan.
Family Child Care
Family child care home providers are encouraged to contact us about how you can participate in the Engage Continuum. Fill out the Contact Us form and we will reach out to you to discuss options.