Noting that a partnership between early childhood programs and the families they serve is essential, this guide encourages early childhood administrators to make available a variety of parent involvement options in their program from which parents can make choices that meet their needs. The guide's introduction offers questions to consider while preparing a "menu" of options for parents, and lists the five components of a successful menu: (1) sharing information with parents and families; (2) welcoming parents and families; (3) involving parents and families in the program; (4) supporting learning at home; and (5) working with the community. The chapters then explore options within each of these 5 components. Each chapter covers basic ideas, lists "menu suggestions" or best practices for accomplishing the component, and then elaborates on these suggestions in a "practices that work" section. A checklist of these practices from each chapter is appended. (Contains 13 references.) (HTH)