The analysis of the family goal setting process in one Early Head Start program from the perspectives of family service providers and parents

Abstract

This qualitative case study examines the family goal setting experiences of fourteen family service providers and eight parents in one Early Head Start program. Specifically, this dissertation explores how family service providers perceive their experiences working with families on family goal setting, as well as parents’ perceptions of their own experiences working with the family service providers in the program. This study contributes to the small body of research on family goal setting in Early Head Start programs. Three robust data sets were collected from participants through online survey and semi-structured individual interviews. The data sets were analyzed through a theoretical framework of bio-ecological theory, family system theory, and family resilience. Data analysis was also informed by the literature on family partnership and collaborative goal setting, as well as The Office of Head Start’s family goal setting philosophy. Analysis of the data sets yielded three primary themes: participants’ thoughts on the perceived purposes of the family goal setting process, participants’ perceptions of their own and others’ roles in the family goal setting process, and participants’ perceptions of the relationship between family service providers and parents in the family goal setting process.