Reciprocal Relationships

Parent Involvement Philosophy

Parents have the right and responsibility to share in decisions about their child’s care and education.

DAP – Parent Teacher Relationships

Respect, cooperation, shared responsibility Two-way communication Shared decision making Parent choices respected

DAP – Parent Teacher Relationships

Shared knowledge Families involved in planning Families linked with resources Collaborative transitions

Definition of a FamilyFamilies 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.

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.

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

Activity: Slippery Egg

Activity:

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