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.
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.