HSPMC: Training Guide-Individualizing: A Plan for Success (Module 4 Handout 27)

Training Guides for the Head Start Learning Community:
Individualizing: A Plan for Success
Module 4

Instructions: Read the following statements. Do they describe the practices you use to plan and hold conferences with families? If so, mark the column labeled Yes. If not, mark the column labeled No. Use the Comments column to record your ideas. You will have 20 minutes to complete this task.

Although Head Start staff regularly share information about each child with his or her family, it is important to set times when you can focus on one child without distractions. Staff-family conferences can be scheduled at certain times of the year and as the need arises. These meetings are opportunities to examine the contents of portfolios, review the child's progress toward achieving developmental goals, review the effectiveness of strategies used at home and in Head Start settings, set new goals, and plan new strategies for encouraging the child's development.

Practices	Yes	No	Comments
Scheduling the Conference 1. Explain to each family at enrollment how often conferences take place, their purpose, when and where they are held, and what is discussed. 2. Ask the family what times would be convenient, offer several options, and provide lead time so the family can make arrangements. 3. Ask the family to think about questions and issues about their child's interests, skills, and progress that they would like to discuss at the conference. 4. If necessary, use a cultural or language interpreter or translated written communication.
Planning the Conference 5. Review and prepare a summary of the child's portfolio--ongoing observation recordings, anecdotal records, checklists, work samples. 6. Organize the portfolio contents to make sure all areas of development--physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional--are covered. 7. Discuss how to carry out the agenda, if two or more staff will participate. 8. Contact a cultural or language interpreter, if needed, and discuss your plans.
Beginning the Conference 9. Anticipate at least 5 minutes of social conversation at the beginning of a conference. If appropriate, use a cultural or language mediator or interpreter. 10. Explain to the family how the conference will proceed and stress that it is a time to share information, review progress, set goals, and plan new strategies. 11. Begin with a positive statement about your relationship with the child.
During the Conference 12. Discuss all areas of the child's development; use portfolio examples as appropriate. 13. Review goals set for the child at the last conference; use portfolio examples to show progress. 14. Discuss the effectiveness of strategies used at home and in Head Start settings.