Starting Small: Perspectives on Building Family and Community Engagement in Preschool

The purpose of this Action Research study was to investigate and improve preschool program maintenance and decision-making processes as understood by teachers, parents, administrators, and community members. Participants and data collected in Cycle 1 consisted of interviews with two teachers, one current and one former, and three former parents within the program who offered focus areas for developing a new preschool program handbook and resource guide. Action steps were designed, implemented, and evaluated in Cycle 2 in order to foster communication amongst stakeholders, increase accessibility and transparency within program decision-making and maintenance processes, as well as strengthen family and community engagement. Teachers, families, administrators, and community members developed and facilitated four focus group sessions. Evaluating the results of the Action Research study included a thorough assessment of pre- and post-surveys, exit tickets issued after each focus group, and debriefing interviews with representatives from each stakeholder group. Participants provided critical feedback that assisted in the evaluation process. Four major themes emerged: strengthened sense of collaboration and communication, support of greater involvement and engagement, increased accessibility and transparency, and more favorable views of program quality. Implications for the organization included dedicated efforts to engage parents and families in the classroom and school at large, opportunities for family and community participation, and solicitation of feedback from teachers and families. [The dissertation citations contained heppre are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]