A volume in Family-School-Community Partnership
Series 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 children
ages birth through 5. It analyzes family involvement practices aimed at improving child
and family outcomes across a variety of early childhood settings and programs. Collectively the
chapters 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; 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, preservice early childhood students, early
childhood practitioners, teacher educators, policymakers, and researchers can use to enhance their knowledge and strengthen their skills
for partnering effectively.
