ABCs of A Healthy Me: Partnering with Families to Support Healthy Habits 1 Catherine Stafford & Lauren Brightwell Contra Costa Child Care Council 2 Icebreaker 3 Child Family ECE Program Staff ECEProgramEnvironment ECE Program Policies Community Society legislation Department of Education Health and Human Services workplace supports, benefits and leave unemployment rate media urban planning economy food and beverage industry federal and state budgets health department child care licensing healthcare providers mental health services CCR&R QRIS religious institutions WIC CACFP community gardens parks schools and colleges grocery stores pre-service and professional development opportunities culture central kitchens food service vendors The Social Ecological Model Elements of Family Engagement In order to effectively engage families we should consider: Protective Factors Strategies for creating family support that use best practices to strengthen the parent/child relationship Family Support Principles Collaboration with providers & families to increase participation in their child care program and to build trust Parent Involvement Practices Organizations can support child care sites in designing features and activities that enhance staff/family relationships 4 Strengthening Families Framework: Key Protective Factors 1.Parental resilience ability to cope with challenges 2.Social connections network of people who care 3.Knowledge of parenting and child development 4.Concrete support in time of need access to resources 5.Social and emotional competence of children Seven Strategies to Promote Protective Factors 1.Valuing and supporting parents 2.Facilitating friendships and mutual support 3.Strengthening parenting 4.Responding to family crises 5.Linking families to services and opportunities 6.Facilitating childrens social and emotional development 7.Observing and responding to early warning signs of child abuse and neglect 6 Family Support Principals If we shift our focus off the child to the whole family, the child will actually benefit more Various approaches to strengthening and empowering families and communities so they are able to foster the healthy development of: Children Youth Adult family members 7 Parent Involvement Practices Integrate culture and community into curriculum Provide a welcoming environment Strive for program-family partnerships Make a commitment to outreach Provide families with resources and referrals Great family resource8 Bringing Families Together: Building Community Video 9 Contact Information 10 https://www.cocokids.org