Strategies to Retain and Encourage Participation (1)

Partnership values issues of flexibility.

The program utilizes a strength-based model. (Staff training must occur in a strength-based model.)

The program must assist in removing barriers for participation:

• discuss strategies for positive parent involvement
• provide transportation, child care, food , etc.
• refer families for assistance with substance abuse, violence, child abuse, depression, etc.
• family educator accompanies parents to CSE, CPSE meetings, to open house, etc. until parent feels comfortable participating alone.

Collaborators and staff have information about participants' literacy needs in order to design individual learning programs. Shared planning and progress reviews occur on a regular basis.

The program must grow as adults and children grow. The family is the center of the program: change must occur to meet new needs. In order for this to happen, there should be:

• continuous review of family progress. 
• transition to work programs
• communication between partners and agencies about family needs and improved strengths
• bridges are built to new experiences for the participants

The program assures availability of qualified staff:

• families must be able to reach program staff when they need them
• a strong rapport between staff and family is necessary
• staff are well trained and qualified for their roles and responsibilities

The program provides for crisis intervention:

• crisis situations do not need to destroy family progress
• discuss "plans" of actions with parents before crisis
• refer families to outside services for specific support
• accompany parent if necessary to any agency of assistance

The program plans for transitions into and out of the program as well as within the program:

• parents and newly enrolled 3 and 4 year olds will begin to participate in preschool experiences
• adults are transitioned into different educational settings that may need to change as the adult's schedule/educational needs change. (i.e., from ESL program to ABE program)
• families are transitioned into the elementary school setting
• assistance is provided in transitioning adults into higher education or the work place
• assist families moving out of the area to find new services.

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