Strategies for Involving Fathers To identify participation priorities of fathers of young children with and without disabilities and to discover strategies that would make it easier for fathers to participate in child care educational programs, we surveyed 318 fathers who had children attending childcare educational programs. We also surveyed 198 service providers about their perceptions of father involvement in childcare educational programs and about their strategies for maximizing father involvement. Fathers in the survey indicated that they did not prefer activities for fathers only. Schedule activities on the weekends, over the lunch hour, or in the evenings, and, if possible, close to the work site. Sponsor activities that teach fathers how to help their children learn art, music, and cooking activities are particularly good.
Shared activities give fathers hands-on experience learning about their child's capabilities.
Display pictures of fathers and children around the school or child care center to welcome and reinforce father involvement. Tell fathers you appreciate their contributions.