Building relationships with families helps us understand an infant or toddler’s context and experience of the world. It is within the family that the infant or toddler learns how to approach people and situations, as well as how to self-regulate and interact with others.

There are many ways to communicate and build relationships with families, such as sending newsletters and posting notices to having personal conversations during drop-off and pick-up. Face-to-face communication is one of the best ways to form and build relationships with families. Face-to-face communication involves listening, speaking, and your body language. The way you begin conversations and communicate with families can enhance a relationship or build a barrier.

Take time to practice your communication with families and consider different ways you can start conversations with each family you support. Below is an example: