Preschool early intervention, special education and the educational system-at-large are rooted in strong, cohesive, positive and trusting relationships between schools and families. It has been empirically validated through a wide array of organizations that positive, effective relationships with families yields better outcomes for children and as a result, both federal and state initiatives have been launched to further support school efforts in this area. It is, therefore, critical for ELS to establish ongoing positive relationships with families, therefore resulting in truly individualized IEPs that meet the needs of children and families and ultimately, better short and long-term outcomes.
An ELS Family Engagement Plan is in the process of finalization and will outline a series of goals and aligned activities that are designed to improve efforts in the area of Family Engagement within the ELS system. This event is designed to more strongly situate an understanding of the critical importance of family engagement within ELS and to formally deliver and review the newly developed ELS Family Engagement Plan.