“Parent Involvement” is an all purpose term used to describe all manner of parent- program interaction: policy making, parent education, fund raising, volunteering time and even the simple exchange of information of various sorts with staff

There are several well known center-based intervention programs that were designed to not only get children into quality programs but to involve parents as well. The emphasis of these programs were: 1. Parents as learners-increasing their knowledge about child development and their needs 2. Parents as teachers-working with professionals in the classroom and at home to enhance and extend the efforts from the classroom

 Children feel more secure in new environments  Children’s sense of self-worth increases  Knowledgeable and consistent responses

 Feelings of Support for their job as parents  Knowledge and Skills  Enhanced Parental Self-Esteem

 Increased knowledge, enabling teachers to be more effective  Positive feedback, increasing feelings of competence  Parental resources to supplement and reinforce classroom learning

To create an atmosphere of were diversity is welcomed teachers need to:  Examine personal attitudes: teachers need to explore and examine their own beliefs and stereotypes. Through this look at themselves they must find ways to change the way they feel and view others of different cultures and backgrounds

Teachers need to: Learn about other cultures they need to educate themselves about the values, practices, and communication methods that are comfortable to the others.

Establish an environment that welcomes Each family must find evidence that their presence is recognized and accepted. The classroom must appear “culturally safe” for children and parents. Meaning books, pictures, materials and room design reflect family and home experiences.

Open the door to communication about culture Teachers need to send clear and constant messages that they are interested in learning how a family wants to have their culture represented and supported by the early childhood classroom.

Cultural Conflict can often be resolved through sensitivity, communication and/or education.

Does your environment convey acceptance and welcome cultural diversity? Examine your environment—is there acceptance of diverse cultures? List the ways that parents would see this. Examine your own beliefs and share on the blog how you overcame or reviewed a situation where stereotypes were an obstacle in providing quality care for one of the children or their family.