Take a look at the chart below on the beliefs and actions of family-centered practice. In the space to the right of each, record your thoughts and ideas of how to incorporate this philosophy into your infant and toddler program.

1. Families are the most important decision-makers in a child’s life.

   • We ask and learn about families’ ideas and preferences.
   • We provide choices in programming.
   • We involve families in program leadership.
   • We involve families in decision-making.

   • Establish and maintain ongoing communication with families throughout the school year
   • Provide multiple opportunities for families to learn about their children’s interactions and development in the program
   • Involve families in advisory groups

    
2. Families are unique and their differences enrich our programs.

   • We respect differences.
   • We involve all the important people in a child’s life.
   • We engage and involve families.
   • We develop responsive and reciprocal relationships.
   • We represent families in our programs.

   • Incorporate the families’ materials in the room (photos, comfort objects, audio recordings)
   • Provide opportunities for families to visit and spend time in the classroom
   • Invite parents to come observe in the classroom
   • Include toys and materials in classroom that represent a wide variety of children and family backgrounds, communities, and experiences.
   • Invite families in the classroom to share their traditions, food, and customs, and language
   • Make sure posters and materials in the classroom do not portray images that make assumptions about individuals or groups of people

    
3. Families are resilient.

   • We learn about families’ strengths, needs, and circumstances.
   • We connect families with resources.
   • We 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.

   • We share information with families.
   • We listen to families.
   • We view families as their child’s first teacher.
   • We respect families’ expertise about their child.

   • Share information with families about development
   • Ask families questions about their infant or toddler

    
5. Families are our partners.

   • We use respectful, responsive, and two-way communication.
   • We reach out to families.
   • We 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