Take another look at the chart below on the beliefs and actions of family-centered practice. Then record your thoughts and ideas of how to incorporate this philosophy into your program.

  1. Families are the most important decision- makers in a child’s life.
    • I learn about families’ ideas and preferences.
    • I provide choices in programming.
    • I involve families in decision-making.
     
    • Establish and maintain ongoing communication with families throughout the year.
    • Provide multiple opportunities for families to learn about their children’s work.
  2. Families are unique and their differences enrich our programs.
    • I honor and respect diversity.
    • I involve all the important people in a child’s life.
    • I engage and involve families.
    • I develop responsive and reciprocal relationships.
    • I represent families in our programs.
     
    • Incorporate the families theme in centers and activities throughout the year.
    • Provide opportunities for families to participate in program activities.
    • Invite family members to come observe in the program.
    • Include toys and materials in centers that reflect diversity.
    • Invite families in the program to share their traditions, food, and customs.
    • Make sure posters and materials in the program do not portray stereotypical images of individuals or groups of people.
  3. Families are resilient.
    • I learn about families’ strengths, needs, and circumstances.
    • I connect families with resources.
    • I build families’ strengths.
     
    • Provide opportunities for families to get to know one another; for example, through a family night.
    • Introduce family members to each other as they drop off or pick up their children.
    • Provide information about community events that families can attend.
  4. Families are central to development and learning.
    • I share information with families.
    • I listen to families.
    • I view families as their child’s first teacher.
    • I respect families’ expertise about their child.
     
    • Share information with families about development.
    • Ask families questions about their child.
  5. Families are our partners.
    • I use respectful, responsive, and two-way communication.
    • I reach out to families.
    • I involve families in all aspects of our program.
     
    • Use a variety of ways to communicate with families in the program (meetings, phone, email).
    • Ask open-ended questions.