Prepare and Facilitate the Involvement
Preparation and effective facilitation will help ensure a successful family involvement experience.
Prepare the family member for the experience:
- It may be important to review the information from the Basic Information Checklist with the family advisor such as when, where, and what time the event is happening and what the format will be)
- Give the parents directions on how to get there and provide them with your contact information.
- Share who else will be involved such as staff or other parents
- Supply pertinent background information in advance such as work that has already taken place on the topic or project.
- Describe your expectations for the parent's role.
- Elicit questions
- Provide appropriate coaching and mentoring materials for parents (handouts are available in our Become a Family Advisor section for parents)
Prepare other staff for family involvement:
- Speak to the value of having families involved.
- Give staff information about what to expect.
- Encourage inclusion, listening, and mutual respect.
- Elicit questions and concerns.
Facilitate a positive experience for family members and staff:
- Begin with hospitality and take time for introductions.
- Clarify goals and expectations before the meeting or event.
- Facilitate everyone's participation.
- Be sure to avoid jargon.
When the event is over, remember the importance of Step 4, Follow Up and Closure. Or you may return to Involving Families as Advisors.