ECCS Touchpoints Webinar: Engaging Fathers: Enhancing Family-Community Partnerships
What is a touchpoint?
A child’s brain undergoes rapid development during the first three years of life, making this period crucial for their overall growth. Each new brain connection formed during this time has been referred to as a “touchpoint,” which is why we named our informational webinar series after this important milestone in a child’s development. Through these hour-long, interactive webinars, our goal is to help you create your own touchpoints across South Dakota, contributing to the healthy development of all the state’s children.
Engaging Fathers: Enhancing Family-Community Partnerships
This session explores the evolving role of fathers in early childhood and their unique contributions to children’s learning and well-being. Participants will gain insights into strategies to enhance father engagement, overcome common barriers, and create inclusive, welcoming environments across early learning settings. Through hands-on activities, scenario-based exercises, and collaborative discussions, attendees will leave with actionable tools and a deeper understanding of how to empower fathers as active partners while fostering cross-sector collaboration and a culture of mutual respect.
Speaker: Keith Ferguson, Black Hills Community Special Services Cooperative
CEUs: SD Board of Social Work Examiners This organization (University of South Dakota – Provider #1048) is approved as a provider for continuing education by the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners. Social workers will receive up to 1.0 Continuing Education clock hours for participating in this course.
Keith Ferguson is a Family Engagement Learning Specialist for the Community & Family Services division of Black Hills Special Services Cooperative. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Comprehensive Recreation with a Minor in Coaching from Chadron State College and will complete his Certification as a Certified Athletic Administrator through the NIAAA in the Summer of 2024. Keith focuses on meeting families where they are and empowering them to actively participate in their children’s educational journeys. Before joining BHSSC, Keith’s career was primarily in education, serving as an Athletic and Activities Director, Physical Education and Health Teacher for all grades K-12, and coaching numerous high school sports. He also serves on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer for the Lakota Nation Invitational. Keith resides in Rapid City and loves spending time with his daughter, Abbie. They are both avid bowlers, and Keith is a self-proclaimed sports enthusiast who enjoys playing Fantasy Football.
