An Exploration of How the Foundations Intervention Influences Family-Professional Partnerships in Head Start: A Case Study

Authors

  • Vera L. Stroup-Rentier University of Kansas
  • Jean A. Summers University of Kansas
  • Susan Palmer University of Kansas
  • Ann P. Turnbull University of Kansas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55370/hsdialog.v17i4.124

Keywords:

partnership, Head Start, self-determination, early childhood, disabilities

Abstract

Abstract

This study explores family-professional partnerships in a Head Start and considers how an intervention designed to address needs of young children through joint efforts by families and Head Start teachers may influence those partnerships. The site in this study exemplifies Head Start’s commitment to family partnership, making it a suitable setting for a case study. The researcher observed and interviewed three teachers, four family members, and one Head Start administrator. The first research question explored pre-existing attitudes and structures related to partnerships at this Head Start. Three themes emerged: (a) program understanding of family partnership; (b) national performance standards and program administrative structures emphasizing family support and participation; and, (c) local Head Start leadership. The second research question explored the intervention’s influence on this setting’s partnerships and identified four themes: (a) developing shared goals between family members and teachers; (b) sharing knowledge of home and school environments; (c) collaborating to achieve the child’s goals; and (d) interactions with enhanced communication, high expectations, and commitment. These seven themes showed how the process, which relied on existing beliefs and administrative structures, had positive impact on family partnership when using the Foundations intervention.

 

Keywords: partnership, Head Start, self-determination, early childhood, disabilities

 

Author Biographies

Vera L. Stroup-Rentier, University of Kansas

Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier is a Research Assistant and Doctoral Student at the Beach Center on Disabilities at the University of Kansas. She received her Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Early Intervention from the University of Oregon. Her bachelor’s degree in elementary education is from Shippensburg University. Vera began her career as a teacher in an inclusive preschool setting in rural Pennsylvania 25 years ago. Since that time she has worked as a center director, early intervention teacher/family service coordinator, statewide technical assistance provider and an early intervention program coordinator. In 2006, Vera received the Kansas Division for Early Childhood (KDEC) Award of Excellence for her work across the state of Kansas. Currently, Vera’s areas of specialization include foundations of self-determination for young children with disabilities, family-professional partnerships, early intervention policies and procedures as well as personnel preparation in unified early childhood.

Jean A. Summers, University of Kansas

Research Professor Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies

Jean Ann is the Director of Research for the Family Research Unit of the Beach Center, and is a Research Professor at the Life Span Institute at the University. She has conducted research, published results, and presented both nationally and internationally on a number of topics related to family support for families of children with disabilities, family-professional partnerships, family quality of life, and early childhood education. Jean Ann received her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1987. She was Director of the Kansas University Affiliated Program (now called University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities) from 1982 to 1989. She was a Research Associate Professor at the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project in Kansas City, Kansas, where she participated in a national longitudinal study of Early Head Start programs and in an evaluation of district-wide school reform.

Susan Palmer, University of Kansas

Research Professor, Beach Center on Disability

Dr. Palmer's professional interests are focused on developmental aspects of children and youth with disabilities concerning learning and achievement. The change in abilities and behavior that occurs over time is of interest to her. The following broad questions drive her research activities at the University of Kansas: How can we help children with disabilities to achieve cognitive and social milestones? How can we provide evidence-based support for children, youth, and young adults with cognitive disabilities to achieve a good quality of life? What materials are effective enough to assist teachers, counselors, and other adults to support people with disabilities to promote self-determination for individuals who may not learn in the same manner as other people? Dr. Palmer is involved in conducting applied school-based research that involves the study of individuals over time and the comparison of people of varying abilities, including people with mental retardation or cognitive disabilities.

Ann P. Turnbull, University of Kansas

Co-Founder, Co-Director, Distinguished Professor, Beach Center on Disability

Dr. Ann Turnbull has been a professor, teacher, researcher, and advocate for individuals with disabilities, their families, and service providers for more than 35 years. In 1988, she was the co-founder of the Beach Center on Disability which is a vital hub of national and international research and development on contemporary issues impacting the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families. In 1987, the National Down Syndrome Congress presented its National Research Award to the Beach Center. Ann has been the Principal Investigator on over 25 federally funded research grants and has authored 33 books, including 2 leading textbooks in the field of special education. She has also authored over 250 articles and chapters. In 1999, she was selected as one of 36 individuals who "changed the course of history for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the 20th century." Ann has provided leadership in national professional and family organizations, including being the President of the American Association on Intellectual Disabilities. She has received the University of Kansas’ highest awards for graduate education, as well as for research. She was selected in 1990 for the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy International Leadership Award, as well as for The Arc’s Distinguished Research Award in 2004. In addition to her professional credentials, she is the parent of three children, one of whom, Jay (1967-2009), was an adult son with multiple disabilities who had what Ann describes as an "enviable life" in terms of his inclusion; productivity; and contributions to his family, friends, and community.

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Published

2015-01-26

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 4

Section

Research Articles

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