Promising Practices for Partnering with Families in the Early Years

Edited by:
Mary M. Cornish, Plymouth State University

A volume in the series: Family School Community Partnership Issues. Editor(s): Diana Hiatt-Michael, Pepperdine University.

Published 2008

This volume is directed toward research to practice issues related to partnering with families of children birth through age 5. This monograph and the next monograph focuses on family and school involvement issues in two age categories. This sixth volume analyzes family involvement practices across a variety of settings and programs at the early childhood level. The seventh monograph in this series addresses research and practices related to family–school issues in middle and secondary schools. The chapters address, to varying degrees, five themes based on the principles of familycentered partnerships:

1. Recognizing and respecting one anther’s knowledge and expertise;
2. Sharing information through two-way communication;
3. Sharing power and decision making;
4. Acknowledging and respecting diversity; and
5. Creating networks of support

The monograph supports the accomplishment of these goals as a whole by providing important insights about exemplary programs and promising practices, informed by current research. Also it highlights policies and theoretical perspectives relevant to these aims. Individual chapters offer a variety of practical strategies and recommendations that families, early childhood practitioners, policymakers, and researchers can use to enhance their knowledge and strengthen their skills for partnering effectively.

CONTENTS
Acknowledgments. List of Contributors. Foreword. Introduction, Mary M. Cornish. Family Involvement Promotes Success for Young Children: A Review of Recent Research, Heather Weiss, Margaret Caspe, and M. Elena Lopez. Learning from the Field of Early Intervention about Partnering with Families, Pamela J. Winton, Mary Jane Brotherson, and Jean Ann Summers. Family Partnerships in Early Childhood Programs: Don’t Forget Fathers/Men, Brent A. McBride, Wm. Justin Dyer, and Thomas R. Rane. Easing the Transition: Family Support Programs and Early School Success, Billie Enz, Michelle Rhodes, and Marilyn LaCount. Home-Based Care Plays an Important Role in Meeting Family Needs, Lori Connors-Tadros and Dawn Ramsburg. What Do Families Want?: Understanding their GOALS for Early Childhood Services, Sejal Patel, Carl Corter, and Janette Pelletier. Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of the Community School Concept in One City, Judy Harris Helm and Douglas P. Clark. APPENDIX: Recommended Resources.