(0080 – 0085) Family Engagement & Partnerships
WAC 110-300-0080
The Strengthening Families Self-Assessment tool is free for early learning providers and has a version for FCC’s as well as Centers. It looks as though the Center for the Study of Social Policy has moved the self-assessment tools to an online platform in an evaluation portal. Here is a link for that:http://www.strengtheningfamiliesevaluation.com/ They also hosted a webinar which explains the use of the self-assessment in early learning settings that you can access here: https://cssp.org/resource/november-2018-strengthening-families-networking-webinar/
WAC 110-300-0080
Upon completion of the online Strengthening Families Assessment, there is the ability to run reports that will assist programs in identifying their strengths and areas to enhance in their programs. The Strengthening Families Self-Assessment outlines practices used by exemplary programs to support families, organized around five protective factors: • Parental Resilience • Social Connections • Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development • Concrete Support in Times of Need • Social and Emotional Competence of Children
DCYF will consider an equivalent assessment that contains these five protective factors and a process is under development..
WAC 110-300-0080
No they do not need to complete the assessment again, they have fulfilled the WAC requirement.
WAC 110-300-0080
The Strengthening Families Assessment can be located here https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/early-achievers/resources-templates along with other related resources such as the Plan of Action for the assessment. An equivalent assessment would just need to address the same types of information. Assessment is about the program and not individual families, so there is no need to include the assessment in the child’s file.
WAC 110-300-0080
The alignment of the Kindergarten standards is not within the Licensing Division’s scope of work. DCYF recognizes that children learn through play. The WAC regarding school readiness is not intended to alter that in any way. At this time there is no known plan for alignment.
WAC 110-300-0080
Parents, schools and other school readiness programs are the best judge to determine a child’s readiness. DCYF recognizes there are multiple pathways for entering the K-12 system and the intent is to ensure that children are as well prepared as possible prior to beginning kindergarten. Equivalent resources that may include alternative or home schooling resources may be provided to families.
WAC 110-300-0080
This question is little vague and therefore difficult to answer. Where WAC requires a form, forms have already been provided. Optional forms that have been requested by staff or providers are also available. The department is open to feedback regarding forms and suggestions may be submitted.
WAC 110-300-0080
This WAC allows each provider to identify and utilize their own tool that works for their program without, requiring approval from the department.
WAC 110-300-0080
Providers are not required to conduct assessments annually after their initial assessment.
WAC 110-300-0085
DCYF will not be creating a form at this time. The information does not need to be collected in written form. There are many resources that can be accessed that include tips and strategies for building relationships with families to obtain this information, including the “Family Partnerships for Children’s Success” and “Creating a Positive Learning Environment” modules on the provider portal
WAC 110-300-0085(1)
Subsection 0085(1) does not state how the specified information needs to be communicated. This will be an important discussion between licensors and providers that communication is happening with families. There is no WAC requirement that written evidence be provided to the licensor in this subsection.
WAC 110-300-0085(1)
The statements that are listed are areas or topics that the early learning provider must address with families in their parent handbook. Providers do not need to use the exact language in the quiz slide, but must communicate the topics with families.
WAC 110-300-0085(3)
The reference to the "school" is actually the early learning program. Statement suggested that an early learning provider could conduct a conference with the family at the family home or community visit, while another conference could happen at the school (early learning program).
WAC 110-300-0085(4)
Subsection 0085(4) does not state how the specified information needs to be communicated. This will be an important discussion between licensors and providers that communication is happening with families. Providers can decide how best to meet the requirements of this subsection, except for the information detailed under subsection 0085(4)(g) which is information about drop off, pick up and daily activities. This must be communicated "verbally or in writing."
WAC 110-300-0085(4)
Licensors will need to have important discussions with the provider about how this communication is happening. For example, a licensor may ask the question how the provider has offered parents to come in and share in their program or what materials parents might share to support language, diversity and culture within the early learning program. There may be evidence within program observations at the time of the visit as well.
WAC 110-300-0085(4)(f)
This question is outside the scope of DCYF’s authority. Please seek legal advice.