Working with Families

Introduction

Effective communication skills are one of the most crucial components of any individual working with families in a subsidized programs.

We must communicate with parents to gain information, convey critical information & make important decisions about their level of service we can or can not provide.

Without effective communication skills, you may not be able to obtain or convey that information, thereby causing detrimental effects to the families we serve.

Successful communication helps us understand people, overcome diversities, builds trust & creates conditions that support respectful interactions

Poor communication leads to misunderstandings, missed opportunities, conflict, the dissemination of misinformation & mistrust

Sketch Pad Notes

Interviewing Parents

The process of the Application Intake is not just filling up a form or having the parent or caretaker fill out documents. It is a confidential process that entails a conversation with the parent/caretaker to learn about the family’s current situation.

Investing the time in talking with the parent, asking questions & clarifying will drive your interview & will give you a clear understanding of the type of questions to ask about eligibility & need, along with determining what forms are needed to complete the application process.

Navigating Conversations

Often enrollment staff need to gain information from parents who are not willing to part with that information or who may be difficult to understand. Enrollment staff must know how to ask the right questions to get the necessary information or to alter the language of the questions to help a parent understand what is being asked.

Enrollment staff must also pay special attention to how they react when a parent is speaking. This means avoiding giving signs that they disagree with something a parent has said, interrupting a parent, rolling eyes or multitasking.

Incorporating these elements in conversations with parents will support healthy & respectful interactions.