print

Policy

All staff who work directly with families on the family partnership process hired after November 7th, 2016, will have, or obtain within eighteen months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field. Staff that have not met this requirement and are not currently enrolled in a program that will meet the requirement will participate in HSOLC’s internal Family Service Credential Process.  This Credential includes in-house training and completion of the SmartTeach/Quorum Learning Path on Family Engagement. 

Procedure

  1. The Quroum Family Engagement Path includes four courses that build knowledge around working with families in early education. In this learning path, staff will set goals, reflect on practices, and implement a special project. 
  2. The four courses build knowledge about the benefits of family engagement, working with families, and how to build a family engagement strategy for your classrooms: 
    1. Building Strong Relationships with Families 
    2. Engaging Families with Social Media 
    3. Family Engagement: The road to better outcomes for children 
    4. Honoring All Families 
  3. Staff progress will be monitored by a direct supervisor. 
  4. Staff will have three options for completion of their special project. Project must receive prior approval from their direct supervisor. 
  5. The Professional Development Manager will track staff progress towards completion of training requirements. 
  6. Staff are required to complete the Family Engagement Learning Path and in house trainings within 18 months of hire. In house trainings include: 
    1. Boundaries and Communication 
    2. Family Partnership and Goal Setting 
    3. Poverty Informed Services 
    4. Trauma Informed Services
  7. Upon completion of all Quorum Path requirements, staff will be awarded a Family Engagement Badge. 

Note: Staff that completed the Social Services Competency Based Training Program or who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field, meet the family services requirements under Performance Standard 1302.91 (7). 

This policy complies with Head Start Performance Standard 45CFR 1302.91(d) (e) (7)

It was approved by Policy Council: February 2024.

Updated: August 2024

REVIEWED: August 2024