Family Engagement: Managing the Partnership Development Process (Hybrid) (In-Person – Chicago, IL and Virtual)

Abstract

HGJA’s Family Engagement: Managing the Partnership Development Process is a two-day hybrid professional development institute aimed at enhancing family engagement systems. It equips practitioners with the tools, strategies, and competencies necessary to build sustainable, reciprocal partnerships with families.

This training covers the key elements of family engagement and family development, including understanding federal mandates, organizing families for success, and increasing measurable outcomes. Participants will receive CDC Planning Guides and resources related to COVID-19, along with tools that align with the Office of Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework.

The session supports early childhood and human/social services professionals in applying culturally responsive, ethical, and strengths-based practices. Participants will learn how to manage the family partnership process, set goals, apply crisis intervention techniques, and use data-driven approaches to improve family outcomes.

HGJA’s Family Engagement training ensures that practitioners can transition programs from mere family involvement to meaningful family engagement, ultimately improving outcomes, strengthening relationships, and supporting the comprehensive success of children and families.

Learning Objectives:

• Strengthen knowledge of Family Engagement & Family Partnership Services requirements (45 CFR 1302.50 & 1302.52).
• Use social media and virtual platforms as support tools for families during COVID-19 and uncertain times.
• Apply the PFCE Framework systemically as a roadmap for progress.
• Build culturally and linguistically responsive relationship-building practices.
• Develop system-driven and data-driven Family Engagement plans.
• Explore effective Fatherhood involvement strategies.
• Ensure regulatory data requirements are addressed, collected, and analyzed.
• Design innovative options for family engagement.
• Strengthen skills in interviewing, observation, crisis intervention, problem-solving, case management, and referral strategies.
• Learn coaching, mentoring, and supervision methods for supporting staff.
• Engage in self-study, peer review, and supervisory reflection.
• Use tools to create comprehensive family services content area plans.
• Apply quality assurance and monitoring tools to ensure compliance.

Training Schedule

Family Engagement – Day 1

• July 28, 2026 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM H.G. Jones Institute – Chicago, IL

Family Engagement – Day 2

• July 29, 2026 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM H.G. Jones Institute – Chicago, IL

HGJA Policies

Changes, Cancellations and Substitutions

HGJA reserves the right to make changes to the training or cancel it if enrollment criteria are not met or when conditions beyond its control prevail. Registrants will be contacted in the event of a cancellation. HGJA’s liability is limited to refunding the training registration fee only.

Cancellations may be made up to ten business days before the scheduled training. Registration fees will be refunded minus a $50 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than ten business days prior; however, substitutions are permitted. All cancellation and substitution requests must be submitted in writing.

Team Registration

Teams of five or more must register and submit payment by the Early Bird Deadline; otherwise, regular rates will apply.