Understanding Family Engagement

Honest, caring, understanding, and respectful ______ with family members lead to their sharing important information with teachers that help to inform how to care and support each child's learning and development. (Please check your spelling and give only a one (1) word answer.)

Which of the following is true about programs?

• a) They convey an important message to families when they seek their views and collaborate with them in the care of their children.

• b) Teachers generally respond to girls with instructions.

• c) They have ongoing, goal-directed relationships between families.

• d) All of the above.

Parent involvement refers to ________.

• parent participation in the systems and activities the early childhood education program in ways that support them as the primary educators, nurturers and advocates for individual children and for all children enrolled in the program.

• ongoing, goal-directed relationships between staff and families that are mutual, culturally responsive, and that support what is best for children and families both individually and collectively.

• open, honest, and understanding relationships among teachers.

• All of the above.

A growing body of research suggests that meaningful engagement of families in their children's early learning supports school readiness and later academic success.

• True

• False

Here are some examples of family engagement: (Please check all correct answers that apply.)

• Family engagement is embedded in the work of all staff members, management systems and leadership priorities.

• Family engagement focuses on evidence of positive, goal directed relationships.

• Parent involvement works with a small % of families involved in leadership opportunities.

• All of the above.

Two-way communication strategies have been found to be particularly effective with families with dual language learners who may otherwise feel disconnected from the program.

• True

• False

Which of the following are communication strategies recommended for teachers? (Please check all correct answers that apply.)

• Maintain confidentiality and ensure privacy in communications regarding children, families, and staff and colleagues.

• Respect each family's style and preferred method of communication and interact with families in a transparent, accountable manner.

• Interact with families in a timely and professional manner to establish relationships that encourage mutual, two-way exchange of information about children.

• None of the answers apply.

Honoring diversity strengthens relationships with families and children, thereby enhancing the quality of care and education for preschool children.

• True

• False

Researchers have found that preschoolers achieved at lower levels when families and teachers shared similar child-centered beliefs and practices.

• True

• False

The family is central in children's lives, as it is through their _____ with their families that children learn about themselves and the world around them. (Please check your spelling and give only a one (1) word answer.)