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.