Support Schools and Child Care Programs to Engage Deeply with Families | North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation

Pathways Recommendation

Support schools and child care programs in implementing best practices to create a welcoming environment, provide opportunities for families to form relationships with staff, engage in respectful, two-way communication with families, practice shared decision-making in planning services for children, and recognize and build family strengths and leadership.

Pathways Action Map > Expectation 3: Education Action 3.22: Support Schools and Child Care Programs to Engage Deeply with Families

Why This Matters

Strong relationships with families in early learning and education settings promote family well-being, positive parent-child relationships, and the ongoing learning and development of children and parents, particularly for families from overburdened and under-resourced communities.¹ Family engagement happens when educators and families engage in an interactive process of relationship-building that is mutual, respectful, and responsive to a family’s language and culture. Meaningful relationship-building is ongoing, and requires time and attention. Schools and child care programs need training and support in developing these relationships with families.