Head Start, Early Head Start, and other early childhood programs are committed to ensuring that children are healthy and ready for school. Programs recognize that strong families are at the heart of children’s success. Each program sets goals, develops objectives, and chooses strategies to support progress toward positive outcomes for families. Learn more about these Family Outcomes of the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework using the resources below.

Understanding Family Outcomes

OHSPFCE Interactive Framework

Visit the interactive version of the OHSPFCE Framework. Select each of the Family Engagement Outcomes to find related research, resources, and regulations. Available in English [PDF, 2.1MB], Spanish (español) [PDF, 1.6MB], and interactive versions.

Understanding Family Engagement Outcomes: Research to Practice Series

Find resources related to each of the seven Family Engagement outcomes of the Office of Head Start PFCE Framework.

Supporting Young Children and Their Families through Early Childhood Education and Public Library Partnerships

Public libraries offer rich learning environments for children and their families and caregivers. Head Start, child care programs, and public libraries work in partnership to help meet the educational needs of young children and their families.

Tracking Family Progress

Using Data for Family and Program Progress

Wondering how you can use data to strengthen your work with families? Explore the family progress resources on this page to learn relationship-based ways to partner with families and support progress toward expected Family Outcomes of the OHSPFCE Framework.

Spotlight on Family Well-being

Family Financial Stability

Financial stability is a critical part of family well-being. Increasing family financial security can lead to positive, long-term outcomes for families and children. Use the following resources to learn more about asset-building. Find strategies to share with families, such as participating in financial literacy activities and claiming tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

I am Moving, I am Learning

Discover this national, award-winning project for addressing childhood obesity. This proactive approach works to increase the amount of physical activity children do every day, the quality of this activity facilitated by adults, and to increase healthy nutrition choices for children every day. Explore relevant research, watch videos, and hear testimonials about this approach to support child well-being.

Nature-Based Learning and Development

Nature play is important for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, families, staff, and communities. New research indicates that children who regularly play in nature are growing up healthy, smart, and happy. Our stories from the field show positive examples of Head Start and Early Head Start centers who have found a way to support family well-being by incorporating nature into their daily work with families.

Family Connections: A Systemic Mental Health Consultation and Professional Development Model

Explore resources to help Head Start and Early Head Start staff work with families dealing with parental depression and related adversities. Learn to work with children in classrooms and in the home, and engage and support families struggling with adversities. Available in Spanish (español).

Interactive Homelessness Lessons

Use this series of interactive online lessons to strengthen the knowledge and skills of all staff who work with families experiencing homelessness. The lessons include useful strategies, compelling parent stories, and experiences and lessons learned shared by Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Screening: The First Step in Getting to Know a Child

Health screening is a key part of children’s overall health care. It can help identify concerns early. Explore basic information about screening, as well as resources about screening infants and toddlers.