November is Family Engagement Month!
November is Family Engagement Month!
Family Engagement Month is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the important role of families in the education and well-being of their children. When Families are engaged in their child’s education not only does student achievement improve but the morale and effectiveness of teachers and administrators also improve. This is a time for families, schools and communities to reflect upon how to promote and strengthen family engagement. In celebration of Family Engagement Month, ECAC along with a collaborative group of families, schools, community and state partners have planned a number of activities and initiatives to support family engagement.
Families thank you for all you do, you are the BEST!
“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss
Family Engagement Month Proclamation
Family Engagement Month Proclamation from the Governor’s Office!
Governor Roy Cooper has declared November 2022 as Family Engagement Month! Please sign on to support the proclamation!
Family Engagement Month Calendars
The Family Engagement Month calendars include activities that you can do with your child as well as resources to support your child’s learning. The activities are meant to be fun and to make the most of those teachable moments. You can modify many of the activities to meet the specific needs of your child.
Early Childhood Family Engagement Month Calendars
Elementary School Family Engagement Month Calendars
Middle/High School Family Engagement Month Calendars
School Teacher Family Engagement Month Calendar
Tell Us Something Good! Award
Families, YOU are invited to nominate your child’s school for the second annual “Tell Us Something Good” AWARD! Share an experience with your child’s teacher/school that
highlights their welcoming attitude and enthusiasm in working with families to create a positive experience for students with disabilities and their families.
The winning school will receive $1000.00 to support a family engagement activity
and you could win a $200 Gift Card for submitting the winning entry! Entries must be
submitted no later than 11:59 pm on November 9th.
Click on the buttons below for more details.
Tool Time Tuesday Family Engagement Series
NOVEMBER 2022
Every Tuesday in November our collaborative team will highlight a different Family Engagement Activity Calendar! Join us as we share tools and resources that families can use all year round!
11/1 – Family Engagement Month Kick Off
Join us for Tool Time Tuesday’s Family Engagement Month Kick Off! This marks the beginning of special activities and opportunities specifically designed for families throughout the month of November. Together, let’s walk through how to make the most of Family Engagement Month!
11/8 – Social Emotional Development
Learn about Social Emotional Development in children Birth – 3 and school age. Gather tips to help support your child in developing those important skills for success at home, school and in life.
11/15 – STAR Program
The Pre-ETS STAR virtual training program for students with disabilities is here to help prepare them for a bright future beyond high school. Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center and Disability:IN North Carolina are pleased to announce that we will be offering the STAR program, a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities (ages 16-21) beginning in Fall, 2022. The STAR program will serve students with disabilities from across the entire state, including students who attend public schools, charter schools and students who are homeschooled via online instruction.
11/22 Youth Engagement
ECAC recognizes the power and value of the voice and ideas of young people. Tune in to learn more about our Youth Advisory Team (YAT) and how we work in partnership with the group to coordinate opportunities and trainings that support the interests and personal development of the YAT members.
11/29 – And the Winner is…“Tell Us Something Good” Winner Announced!
Join us for the finale event for Family Engagement Month. One school will win $1000 to fund a family engagement activity and the parent who submitted the winning entry will receive a $200 gift card. It could be you!
UNSEEN: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers and Why it Matters
Join with families and communities across the state in viewing the documentary “Unseen” on November 17th from 11:00 am – 1 pm. There are many families in NC caring for a child with disabilities or complex medical needs. The demands and stress on their daily life can negatively affect the wellbeing of family caregivers. With limited accommodations and uncertainty about the future, caregivers often face isolation and exhaustion. Following the documentary there will be a panel discussion with families, providers and policy makers to have the conversation about what can be done to meet the needs of families and caregivers across the state.
Telling Your Story - For Families of Children with Disabilities Birth – 5 years old
November 9th
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Your experiences and your knowledge as a parent of a child with disabilities are unique and important to share.
This training is for families of children birth – 5 years old who are interested in sharing their story. “Telling Your Story” is an interactive training and will explore the most effective ways to share your unique story to make a difference.
Space is limited
Family Engagement Month Social Media and Outreach Tools
Join the Conversation!
Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Hashtags for Family Engagement Month
November is Family Engagement Month! You are your child’s first and most important teacher. This is a time to recognize the important role families play in the education and well-being of their children throughout the year. Use #FamiliesFEM to join the conversation.
Celebrate Family Engagement Month by sharing a photo of a “family symbol” that represents your family or your child’s journey. Use #SymbolFEM to join the conversation.
It’s all about relationships! Parents don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Use #CareFEM to join the conversation.
Effective Family Engagement is a shared responsibility between families, school and the community. Use #TogetherFEM to join the conversation.
What do educators need to know about families of children with disabilities? Use #ToKnow to join the conversation.
What’s the best thing an educator has done for you or your child? Use #TheBestFEM to join the conversation.
What do you do to take care of yourself? Use #CelebrateFEM to join the conversation.
Additional Resources
North Carolina’s early childhood system strives to be family-centered, equity-driven and collaborative. The Family Engagement and Leadership Framework, accessible on DCDEE’s FE&L Webpage, features Guiding Principles and information for agencies on meaningful family engagement and leadership.
The National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement (NAFSCE) is the first membership association focused solely on advancing family, school, and community engagement. Their mission is advancing high-impact policies and practices for family, school, and community engagement to promote child development and improve student achievement. https://nafsce.org/
Collaboration in the Spotlight
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
Region A Partnership for Children is the non-profit organization that manages the Smart Start funding and coordinates various programs in the seven far western NC Counties (Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain) and on the Qualla Boundary. The NC Pre K program is one of the programs coordinated by Region A Partnership for Children. The Parents as Teachers program is another. And the Family Support Program of Region A is another program which provides support to families who have children with special health care concerns. For more information on Region A Partnership for Children, visit the website at rapc.org.
The HOPE Family Support Network provides information, support, and training for families who have children of all ages and with all types of special needs in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell and Lincoln Counties in the foothills area of western North Carolina. fsnhope.org
“Amazing Grace Advocacy navigates families raising children with disabilities of the brain, by providing knowledge, resources and support that brings guidance, hope and purpose into the life of their child.
In support of ECAC’s Family Engagement Month, we will be sharing and encouraging the families we reach and serve to participate and enjoy the daily activities provided by ECAC’s Calendars and supports.” amazingraceadvocacy.org
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