Predictors of Head Start Teachers' Perceived Quality of Relationships with Families

Abstract

The relationship between home and school is an important component of children’s early educational experiences. However, little research has examined the home-school relationship from the perspective of teachers. This study examines whether teacher characteristics predict how Head Start teachers rate the quality of their relationships with families using data from the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES), 2014 cohort. Results suggest that teacher characteristics, including job satisfaction, caregiving beliefs, and depressive symptoms, predict how they perceive their relationships with families. Supporting teachers’ psychological wellbeing may be one effective strategy for promoting positive relationships between teachers and families.