November is Family Engagement Month!
Join us in Celebrating the Power of Family Engagement!
The special needs journey is not one I planned but I sure do love the tour guide.
“A Very Special Needs Resource”
November is Family Engagement Month, a time to celebrate the essential role families play in the education and well-being of their children. The phrase “Yes, I Can” is not just a powerful declaration of individual potential; it embodies the strength we find in partnership. Research shows that meaningful family engagement results in better outcomes for students, for families, for schools and for communities. By embracing partnership and collaboration, we can strengthen connections, enhance learning, and cultivate an environment where every child can thrive. Together, we can create a community where every family feels valued and empowered to actively participate in their child's educational journey.
Explore the resources available on this webpage, and if something resonates with you, share it! This is an opportunity to engage, uplift, and empower each other for the benefit of our children. Start conversations, plant seeds of inspiration, and watch them grow.
“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”
~ Christopher Reeve
Family Engagement Month Proclamation
from the Governor's Office
"Tell Us Something Good" Award
Submission deadline has been extended to February 1, 2025
Families are invited to nominate their child’s school for the “Tell Us Something Good” AWARD! Share an experience that you’ve had with your child’s teacher/school that highlights a welcoming environment and enthusiasm in working with students with disabilities and their families. The deadline to submit has been extended to Saturday, February 1st. This coincides with the start of Family Leadership Month. The winning school will receive $1000.00 to support a family engagement activity and the family member that submitted the winning entry will win a $200 gift card. Click the link below to read more and submit your nomination.
Family Engagement Month Calendars
The Family Engagement Month calendars include activities and resources for families and educators that support student success while encouraging collaboration between families and schools. There are calendars for families of children Birth-2, Preschool-PreK, Elementary, Middle/High, and School calendar for educators.
Birth-2 Family Engagement Month Calendars
Preschool-PreK Family Engagement Month Calendars
Elementary School Family Engagement Month Calendars
Middle/High School Family Engagement Month Calendars
Military Family Engagement Month Calendar
School Family Engagement Month Calendar
Tool Time Tuesday Family Engagement Series
NOVEMBER 2024
We will kick off the Family Engagement Month Series on Tuesday, November 5th. Join us on Tuesdays at noon in November, we will share information, tools, and resources that families can use all year round!
November 5th: Family Engagement is a Game Changer: Empowering Families
This session will explore how active participation in your child’s education and support can enhance their well-being. Will share practical tools and strategies to strengthen your partnership with educators.
November 12th: Resources for Families
This session will look at resources and services that can provide assistance, information, and connections to families of children with disabilities.
November 19th: There’s Nothing Selfish about Self Care
Discover the importance of self-care and how it empowers you to be the best advocate and support for your child. Learn practical strategies for incorporating self-care into your daily routine.
November 26th: “Tell us Something Good” Award: Updates and Tips
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.
What have you learned from having a sibling with a disability? #SiblingStrong
What is the best parenting advice you’ve ever received? #AdviceYes
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
