This practical text is designed to meet the needs of students, administrators, and teachers of children of all
ages who are trying to create effective partnerships with families. It provides an overview of modern families
and their complex roles, to sensitize teachers to the diversity and needs of families they will encounter. The
text discusses fully both the benefits of creating productive partnerships and the barriers that teachers must
work beyond. Practical and effective communication strategies are described, with abundant examples. Emphasis is
placed on current developments in the field of early childhood education, legislative mandates in education, and
position statements from professional organizations. A discussion of No Child Left Behind and updated NAEYC Code
of Ethics accreditation standards for programs and for teacher education supports this emphasis.
Table of Contents
Section I: INTRODUCTION TO FAMILIES.
1. A Day with Two Families: Diversity of Experience.
2. Families Today.
3. Parenting.
Section II: TEACHER-FAMILY PARTNERSHIPS IN EARLY EDUCATION.
4. What Is Family Involvement?
5. Benefits of Teacher-Family Partnerships for Children, Parents, and Teachers.
6. Potential Barriers to Teacher-Family Partnerships.
7. Foundations of a Successful Partnership.
Section III: METHODS FOR DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS.
8. At the Beginning with Parents and Children.
9. Informal Communication with Families.
10. Parent-Teacher Conferences.
11. Home Visits with Parents and Children.
12. Families in the Classroom.
13. Parent Education.
14. It Takes a Village: Teachers, Families, and Communities.
Section IV: MAKING A PARTNERSHIP WORK.
15. Working with Families from Diverse Backgrounds.
16. Working with Families in Particular Circumstances.
17. Working to Resolve Challenging Attitudes and Behaviors.