In our early childhood culture, educators and programs offer parents opportunities to be involved. These opportunities can range from sharing essential information about a child to social activities, such as field trips, program upkeep, fundraising, donating materials, or joining/running committees. The main characteristic of all the involvement opportunities shared is that educators or the program leader design and run them.
Partnerships are a very particular type of relationship. Developing, nurturing, and maintaining relationships is more complex and challenging than involving families. In partnerships, educators and families must share power; they are equal partners in planning and carrying out involvement opportunities.
Families can build strong relationships with educators and other families in their program by creating ways to get involved, if they want to and have the time. Inviting families is very different from requiring them. As educators, we mustn’t become critical when a family doesn’t participate in involvement opportunities. No matter the reason, we need to remember that we don’t know everyone’s life story. Our assumptions don’t help us build relationships; they hinder them.
Remember that offering family involvement opportunities, even when they are successful, isn’t the same as having partnerships with families. You can absolutely partner with families who don’t participate or get involved. Family involvement is not a substitute for building strong relationships, especially when we are focused on the well-being of each child in our care. Family participation and involvement that bring educators and families together can build relationships, but it’s not guaranteed; the impact depends on how they happen.
Reflection Questions
* Does your program place more emphasis on partnerships or involvement?
* What are some examples of both?
* Does the balance between the two need to be shifted?
* List each of the family involvement opportunities you offer. What is the goal of each one?
* What supports do you have in place to meet the challenges of building relationships with families?
