Partnering with Head Start and Early Childhood Programs
Many families participating in early childhood programs are affected by domestic violence. Early childhood programs can support children during times of stress, provide information and referrals to parents, and develop partnerships with domestic violence programs to support families
Many families participating in early childhood programs are affected by domestic violence. Domestic violence can have negative impacts on parents, children, and their relationships. Fortunately, relationships with caring and supportive adults are a protective resource for families who have experienced domestic violence. Early childhood programs can support children during times of stress, provide information and referrals to parents, and develop partnerships with domestic violence programs to support families. They can implement universal violence prevention strategies to build a culture that promotes healthy relationships.
FUTURES has many resources to help early childhood programs collaborate to support families experiencing domestic violence. The following resources for early childhood program staff and administrators were developed in collaboration with the National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (NCPFCE). They can help early childhood programs understand the impact of domestic violence on children and families and support healing and resilience with other child and adult-serving organizations. View the Preventing and Responding to Domestic Violence Webinar Series from FUTURES and NCPFCE here.
- Implementing Universal Education Strategies in Head Start Programs
- Families Thrive, Zero to Five Safety Card (Available in English and Spanish)
- Twelve Ways Parents Can Help Young Children Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence Heal Brochure (Available in English and Spanish)
- Tips for Responding to Disclosures about Domestic Violence
- Partnering with Families Experiencing Homelessness Due to Domestic Violence Learning Module
- Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Reporting Guide
FUTURES & NCPFCE have also developed a 2.5-day train-the-trainers curriculum for Head Start and Early Head Start programs called “Families Thrive, Zero to Five: Increasing the Capacity of Head Start and Early Head Start Programs to Prevent and Respond to Domestic Violence.” For more information, please email Futures Without Violence at childrensteam@futureswithoutviolence.org.