1. Reciprocal Relationships

2. Parent Involvement Philosophy  Parents have the right and responsibility to share in decisions about their child’s care and education.

3. DAP – Parent Teacher Relationships  Respect, cooperation, shared responsibility  Two-way communication  Shared decision making  Parent choices respected

4. DAP – Parent Teacher Relationships  Shared knowledge  Families involved in planning  Families linked with resources  Collaborative transitions

5. Definition of a Family Families are big, small, extended, nuclear, multi- generational, with one parent, two parents and grandparents. We live under one roof or many. A family can be as temporary as a few weeks, as permanent as forever. We become part of a family by birth, adoption, marriage, or from a desire for mutual support...A family is a culture unto itself, with different values and unique ways of realizing its dreams; together, our families become the source of our rich cultural heritage and spiritual diversity... Our families create neighborhoods, communities, states, and nations.” Source:Edelman, Larry et al., (1991) Getting on Board, Training activities to Promote the Practice of Family Centered Care.

6. Family Centered Philosophy Components  Family is the constant in a child’s life.  Families want the best for their children.  Families have different strategies to reach dreams and different needs.  No single approach is the right approach.

7. Principles for Delivering family Centered Services  Respect family values and culture  Trust family judgment  Work together  Be flexible  Look at the whole picture  Parents share in decisions  Relate to family as people

8. Activity: Slippery Egg

9. Activity:  With a partner, brainstorm all opportunities and ideas you have for engaging in informal “tennis ball” talk with families.