To work effectively with families you need to build relationships by

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Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): When there is a trusting relationship that values the family, it is easier for parents to trust the care of their children to early educators.[1]

Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): Examples that Illustrate the Shift[5]

Parent Involvement Nội dung chính Show Building Partnerships: Guide to Developing Relationships with Families Strategies for Family Engagement: Attitudes and Practices Cultural Perspectives in Caregiving: Applying Relationship-Based Practices Preparing for Challenging Conversations with Families What are the ways for families to develop healthy relationship? What are some effective strategies for building and maintaining relationships with parents? What is important when working with families? Why is it important to build a relationship within a family and the community?	Family Engagement
Parent Involvement is primarily the responsibility of family services staff (or parent involvement specialists, home visitors, or transition specialists).	Family engagement is embedded in the work of all staff members, management systems and leadership priorities.
Parent involvement might revolve around outputs—for example, the number of parents who show up at a meeting.	Family engagement focuses on evidence of positive, goal directed relationships, for example, that result in family progress in one (or more) of the seven outcome areas.
Parent involvement works with a small % of families involved in leadership opportunities (policy council, parent meetings, special events).	Through ongoing relationships, family members are engaged in a variety of goal directed ways related to Parent and Family Engagement Outcomes.
Programs that involve parents collect data from children and families—for example, information about parent participation.	Programs that engage families use child and family data to improve services. These programs help families understand and use child data to support their children’s progress and development.

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Children thrive when their families are engaged and included in their early childhood education program.[6]

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): When families are welcome in the early education environment, their children thrive.[8]

Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Open communication is vital to the relationships between families and teachers.[9]

The goal of parent and family engagement is to work with families to build strong and effective partnerships that can help children and families thrive. These partnerships are grounded in positive, ongoing, and goal-oriented relationships with families. The relationships are based on mutual respect and trust. They are also developed over time, through a series of interactions between staff and families.

Successful relationships focus on families’ strengths. They build on a shared commitment to the child’s well-being and success. As relationships between staff and families grow stronger, mutually respectful partnerships are built. Strong partnerships with families contribute to positive and lasting change for families and children.

Explore these resources to learn strategies to strengthen relationships with families.

Building Partnerships: Guide to Developing Relationships with Families

Learn about the importance of building positive goal-oriented relationships with families. Explore the role these relationships play in effective parent, family, and community engagement and school readiness. Find key definitions, tools, and guides for reflective practice and supervision.

Strategies for Family Engagement: Attitudes and Practices

In this guide, find out how family engagement and practice strategies are key to building relationships with families. Learn how to use strengths-based attitudes to work with families toward building a positive relationship, despite the challenges that may come up. This tool can also support training in reflective practice and supervision.

Cultural Perspectives in Caregiving: Applying Relationship-Based Practices

Providing culturally and linguistically responsive practices requires that leaders, caregivers, and staff reflect on their own cultural beliefs and assumptions. Explore this series of vignettes to find ways to reflect on your understanding of cultural perspective-taking. Apply what you learn about yourself to develop a collaborative and responsive practice in your work with families.

Preparing for Challenging Conversations with Families

Sometimes it is difficult to know how to discuss a challenging topic with a family. This resource provides ways to prepare and engage families when conversations include challenging topics. These conversations can strengthen relationships and build trust.

Last Updated: October 6, 2022