Tribal College and University Research Journal — Volume 1, Issue 2 Shelley Macy
designated as important. However, despite sometimes less-than-successful efforts, engaging families is critical in early learning and development. Connecting with children is an essential basis for supporting children’s cognitive development (Walters, 2013). The Hand in Hand (HiH) approach as laid out by Patricia Wipfler (2006) teaches adults tools for building connection with children through (1) designated times when the adult follows the child’s lead in play called “Special Time,” (2) enjoying laughter with children called “Playlistening,” (3) handling and listening fully to children’s feelings called “Staylistening,” and (4) setting limits on off-track behavior with caring, connection, and firm kindness that gives children room to release the feelings that drove their behavior off track without giving in to their irrational behavior or demands. Northwest Indian College (NWIC) has embarked upon a collection of efforts to improve early education for all tribal children. Fostering connections --- among teachers, among parents and other family members, and between adults and children -- has characterized these efforts. In early childhood development and education, children feeling connected, seen, and cared for is vital to their survival, thriving, and brain development (Walters, 2013, pp. 9-10). In the Lummi community, children are connected to one another, older children, adults, and elders in innumerable ways. They are cherished and loved and part of a large community. Disconnection via generations of trauma can interfere with children’s basic sense of connection, sense of and actual safety (Walters, 2013), but the potential exists for tremendous connection for each and every child in early learning programs serving Lummi children and families. This paper specifically investigates how taking a fresh look at family engagement --- where Lummi parents helped to define family engagement, shared responsibility for implementing family engagement strategies, and provided feedback throughout the process --- is resulting in awareness of what parents value. This should
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