'Helping us find our own selves': exploring father-role construction and early childhood programme engagement

Early childhood programmes (ECPs) serving children from low-income families are becoming increasingly interested in engaging fathers. The purpose of this study was to examine perspectives of diverse fathers with low incomes to more fully understand how their experiences within an ECP influenced father-role construction and facilitated their engagement in the programme and with young children. An exploratory focus group was conducted with fathers of children enrolled in a Head Start/Early Head Start programme. Qualitative data were analysed using descriptive and pattern coding. Findings suggest the 'fit' between fathers' existing role beliefs and programme strategies may facilitate or hinder programme engagement. Practitioner interactions that value fathers, promote child learning and enjoyment, and support fathers in developing parenting skills that strengthen positive father-child relationships may change father-role construction to facilitate engagement in the programme and with their young children.