“A relationship-based, mutual, respectful, and responsive partnership between families, early learning and care providers, and other related professionals to promote children’s development, learning, and wellness. Family engagement happens when early childhood professionals and families actively participate in an ongoing process of building and maintaining these meaningful relationships.”
– First 5 California, State of California, 2019
Welcome to the Family Engagement Toolkit
About the Quality Counts California Family Engagement Toolkit
The toolkit modules and resources are available in English and Spanish. Click on the “Family Engagement Toolkit” button below to:
- Learn about the toolkit’s five learning modules
- Find resources to extend your learning
- Learn how to access the toolkit through the Workforce Registry and California Early Childhood Online (CECO)
- Learn how to earn professional development clock hours
Why is family engagement important?
Your relationships with families matter. When you engage with families, you join with them to support their child’s development and learning.
Family engagement improves:
- A child’s health, development, and well-being
- A family’s confidence and relationships with their children
- A provider’s confidence in discussing concerns with families
As a parent remembering my children’s early years, one of the most important relationships in my life at the time was with my family child care provider. I trusted her with the people most precious to me. I’d look to her for support, guidance, help, and expertise. We worked as a team to care for my children.
Camille Maben, First 5 California Executive Director
Family Engagement Infographic
Download the infographic to learn more about topics you can explore in Quality Counts California’s Family Engagement Toolkit.
Family Engagement Resource Guide
Download this guide for state and national resources on effective family engagement.
Learn More with the Quality Counts California Family Engagement Toolkit
Quality Counts California collaborated with providers, professionals, and experts to specially design the Family Engagement Toolkit to help you build strong relationships with children and families in your care. The toolkit includes tips and strategies you can use to engage families in meaningful ways.
Anyone who works with families can benefit from this information. However, child care providers can also earn professional development clock hours.
Questions and Support
Are you looking for more information? Do you want to share other family engagement tools and resources? Contact the Quality Counts California team.