How It Works
FAQs
The Family Map program has taken the time to answer some of our most frequently asked questions here. Click any question to see the answer.
Q. Why can’t the parents just read the question and answer like a survey?
Getting the information from the Family Map is only a small part of the reason to use it. Conducting the interview allows you to connect to the family and start a real partnership – a conversation.
Q. Who should conduct the interview with the Family Map?
The Family Map Inventories were developed to be conducted by the educator that spends the most time with the child in center based programs or the assigned visitor in home visiting programs. However, some programs have successfully conducted Family Map interviews as teams that include a family enrichment specialist and an educator.
Q. Who should be interviewed with the Family Map?
The interview should be conducted with the person who spends the most time caring for the child. The child should also be at the interview. Welcome any other adults who help take care of the child.
Q. Teachers in my program say the parents will not like this interview!
Many teachers are protective of their parents before they actually use the Family Map. When we ask parents, after they have had a Family Map interview, they mostly say they enjoyed the conversation and loved talking about their family. Change is hard for all people. We find that teachers say positive things about the Family Map after they have used it.
Q. How often should we do the Family Map interview?
We recommend that the Family Map interview be conducted twice a year. This allows programs to document the services they provide. We have worked with programs that show reductions in risks from fall to spring. We know family risks and strengths can change quickly. We have found that new risks are identified in the second interview.
Q. Should we do the Family Map at the enrollment conference?
The Family Map has most often been used at home visits after the family/child have been in the program for a few weeks. However, some programs are using it at enrollment and report to us that they are happy with the result. One program is choosing to break up the interview over 2-3 meetings with the parent starting at enrollment.
Q. How much time will it take to use the Family Map?
Typically, the Family Map Interview takes 45-60 minutes to complete.
Q. What other training or policy should my agency consider before we start the Family Map?
Review the topics in the Family Map to identify referral options and resources your teachers will likely need. Consider the companion program TIPS for Great Kids!
Review your agency policy on confidentiality. In rare cases, the Family Map interview could identify child abuse, domestic violence or mental health issues. Some agencies review these protocols.
Q. What is the cost of training for my program?
Licensed child care facilities in state of Arkansas may be eligible for free training. The cost of training includes the education fee, all support materials, and permission to use and reproduce all of the Family Map forms. We will provide additional web based trainings and may also work individually with programs to provide mentoring after trainings.
If the workshop is to be held outside of central Arkansas, travel expenses will be the responsibility of the hosting agency or program. Contact our team at support@thefamilymap.org , Phone: 901-235-5291 for more information.
Q. When can I attend training? Where are trainings held?
Training classes can be scheduled as needed for some organizations but are generally offered monthly in Arkansas. The training is for groups of no more than 25 participants. The class can be held at your site. We can assist with special planning needs if, for example, your agency is very large or small.