Families are their children's first teachers. Early childhood educators know this, but what does it mean in practice? Participation, involvement, and engagement are only the first steps toward the true goal: reciprocal family partnerships. Discover how to move beyond inviting families to program events or connecting them to resources and instead recognize them as experts who meaningfully contribute to children's learning and development.

Based on over two decades of research by the author, this resource

• Establishes why reciprocal family partnerships are essential within the contexts of child development theories, developmentally appropriate practice, and anti-bias education
• Analyzes the important role that using a strengths-based approach plays in successfully building long-lasting relationships and partnerships
• Provides practical strategies and activities to help teachers and administrators examine and improve their practices for partnering with families
• Uplifts the authentic feelings and words of a diverse breadth of families

Families have voices that are waiting to be heard--it's time to listen.