Family-centered practice is a set of beliefs and actions that influence how we engage families. 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 first thoughts and ideas of how to incorporate this philosophy into your classroom. Share your responses with your trainer, coach or administrator.

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 work in preschool
   • Involve families in advisory groups

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

   • We honor and respect diversity.
   • 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 theme in classroom centers and activities throughout the year
   • Provide opportunities for families to participate in classroom activities
   • Invite family members to come observe in the classroom
   • Include toys and materials in classroom that reflect diversity
   • Invite families in the classroom to share their traditions, food, customs, and language
   • Make sure posters and materials in the classroom do not portray stereotypical images of 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 child

    
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