By utilizing all of the voices of homeless children and families we can gain a better understanding of their needs and thus be more effective in designing programs that can support them in becoming more independent. This article reviews the importance of the voices of homeless preschool children and their parents as well that of the professionals…

This article highlights the importance of nurturing preservice teachers as they develop the dispositions essential to establish empowering relationships with children's families. The authors identify and describe several key dispositions necessary for working with families and offer suggestions for ways that these elements might be integrated into…

The purpose of this article is to describe the effects that parent perceptions of their relationships with teachers have on parent involvement. After providing a brief review of literature identifying the importance of parent-teacher relationship formation, the authors provide suggestions for early childhood educators that will help them establish…

The purpose of this article is to help teachers become more responsive to the changing needs and contexts of families in their efforts to establish relationships and encourage family participation. Through this article, the authors describe the changing landscape of parenting and the stressors experienced by contemporary families. The authors then…

This article seeks to provide insights into the role of teacher beliefs about parent and family involvement in supporting or inhibiting parent and family participation in partnerships related to the well being of child and family. The authors aim to offer positive beliefs and strategies for developing nurturing relations between families and…

Suggests that the changing nature of education requires that professional preparation programs provide more extensive parent involvement experiences. Discusses four thematic areas: (1) ways that families can contribute; (2) recognition of the expertise that families provide; (3) exploration of strategies that offer families meaningful involvement;…

While parents' active involvement in their child's growth experiences may seem a simple matter, the involvement process is found to be a highly challenging system of human interactions. Considers this concept from a developmental viewpoint as well as questions that both teachers and parents should examine as they analyze their feelings and…

Presents lists of questions that parents, teachers, and administrators can use to assess their own readiness for a parent involvement program. Outlines a process for successful program development. (SJL)

Parent involvement has been documented as the most effective method of improving student performance in school. This book explores ideas, strategies, and resources that parents and teachers can use in teaming together to facilitate productive student behavior and to deal positively with discipline issues. Parental role in discipline is discussed…

A questionnaire was used to survey teachers in an attempt to determine whether there were characteristics particular to kindergarten teachers who strongly supported parent involvement in kindergarten programs. Findings suggest that there are such characteristics. (Author/BB)

Parents and families who are homeless need positive communication experiences with early childhood programs. This article provides several examples of ways to connect with families who are homeless and to meet their needs through continuous communication. Staff development ideas, parent and family involvement, and school-community support…

This teacher's handbook suggests that, as social, economic and political changes in the United States have altered family structure and parenting skills have become more complex and demanding, parent support programs and services must be made available. It is suggested that parenting should become a more cooperative process involving everyone in…

Research provides insight into parent attributes that support partnerships with teachers. These attributes include warmth, sensitivity, nurturance, the ability to listen, consistency, positive self-image, personal competence, and effective interpersonal skills. Researchers have cited positive attitudes, continuous teacher training, involvement in…

Recent studies suggest that the involvement of parents and teachers with young children provides natural opportunities for modeling and nurturing positive cultural attitudes. Strategies that support children's multicultural learning within a context of family involvement are of three types. The first of these is parent education and support.…