Promising Practices for Partnering with Families in the Early Years (PB)

A volume in Family-School-Community PartnershipSeries Editor Diana B. Hiatt-Michael Pepperdine University(sponsored by the Family School Community Partnership Issues SIG)This volume focuses on research to practice issues related to partnering with families of childrenages birth through 5. It analyzes family involvement practices aimed at improving childand family outcomes across a variety of early childhood settings and programs. Collectively thechapters address five themes related to principles of family-centered partnerships:1. Recognizing and respecting one another's knowledge and expertise;2. Sharing information through two-way communication;3. Sharing power and decision making;4. Acknowledging and respecting diversity; and5. Creating networks of supportThe monograph supports the accomplishment of these goals as a whole by providing important insights about exemplary programs andpromising practices informed by current research. Also it highlights policies and theoretical perspectives relevant to these aims. Individualchapters offer a variety of practical strategies and recommendations that families preservice early childhood students earlychildhood practitioners teacher educators policymakers and researchers can use to enhance their knowledge and strengthen their skillsfor partnering effectively.