Head Start Father Engagement Birth to Five Programming Guide [PDF, 1.9MB]
The Programming Guide is designed to help programs make father engagement live and breathe in every part of your program. It is aligned with the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework, and it offers many ideas for implementing father engagement strategies across systems and services as a part of your everyday work.
Las Manos de Apá
This set of resources is designed to support Latino fathers as early literacy models for their children. The resources outline a practice model for working with Latino fathers by creating father-friendly environments, building community, sharing stories and supporting early literacy for young children.
Fatherhood First Posters
These posters can be used to create a more welcoming program environment for men in Head Start and Early Head Start settings.
Father Engagement Message from Yvette Sanchez Fuentes
Office of Head Start Director Yvette Sanchez Fuentes talks about the importance of building relationships with fathers and father figures in Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Best Practices in Family and Community Engagement Video Series: Engaging Fathers
Engaging Fathers Extended Learning Activity
Watch this video to learn about the strategies and practices one Head Start/Early Head Start program uses to engage fathers and support positive child and family outcomes. You will see examples of strong program leadership, a welcoming environment, and a commitment to family partnerships. With encouragement from the program, dedicated fathers learn from one another, make connections, and build a community that helps them fulfill their role as one of the most important people in their children's lives. Available in English and Spanish.
Engaging Young Fathers Video
Engaging Young Fathers Extended Learning Activity
This short video highlights one young father’s experiences with fatherhood workshops. Use the extended learning activity to reflect on program approaches to supporting young fathers.
For Fathers/Father Figures
Fathers Are Important—For Real!
Fathers play a key role in the development of their children and creating a caring family life. Interested individuals, especially fathers, will benefit from this overview of the characteristics of fathers who are supportive and contribute positive influences to their families.
Father Figures Making a Difference – A blog post
David Jones, Office of Head Start Fatherhood Specialist and father of four, shares his insights and experiences as a father who is active in the lives of his children. He also highlights the many benefits of engaged father figures on young children's learning and development.
For more resources and tools, visit PFCE Resources and Guides.
Last Reviewed: May 2013
Last Updated: November 14, 2013