MEF is partnering with Baltimore City Head Start (BCHS) and the Center for Urban Families (CFUF) to a develop a national model for promoting active fatherhood engagement in Head Start.
For the first phase of this work, MEF conducted a literature review to identify best practices for engaging fathers in Head Start. MEF also conducted a series of interviews and focus groups with Head Start staff and parents to understand the successes, challenges, and recommendations for improving father engagement services. MEF then used this information to generate 13 specific recommendations for implementing a comprehensive father engagement plan at BCHS.
During the second phase of this work, BCHS and CFUF began implementing the recommended model for father engagement at BCHS. MEF continues to support the team by collecting information from Head Start staff and caregivers to support continuous quality improvement. MEF is also developing a resource guide with the goal of sharing lessons learned with other Head Start programs nationwide who wish to replicate this father engagement model in their programs.