Family engagement is essential to high quality services for all children in early childhood care and education. From the beginning of life, families nurture their children and the capacities they will need to be ready for school. The Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework for Early Childhood Systems is a guide to understanding…

Identifies ways to prepare parents for small early childhood education/care program changes (planned staff absences, changes of the environment or schedule, changes of classmates, changes of classroom pets, and classroom visitors) and large changes (funding, regulations, staff, building, administration). Suggests ways to keep parents informed,…

Camps should always have a crisis management plan, but the events of September 11, 2001, make it especially important. Honest communication with parents is paramount--directors should choose their words carefully and control the tone of their voices. Examples are given of crises involving weather, transportation, and a shooting. Questions to…

Noting that babysitting is a serious responsibility, this videotape provides information, guidelines, and practical advice to train and prepare teenagers for the job of babysitting. Though not intended to replace the advice of a professional babysitting course or first aid course instructor, or parent/guardian who can better guide teens on…

Information on how warm and responsive care can help shape infants' and toddlers' development and their ability to learn can be reassuring for concerned parents. This guide, in English and Spanish versions, presents quality child care as a partnership between the child caregiver and the parents with the primary goal of benefiting the child. The…

Offers suggestions for resolving conflict between child care staff or between caregivers and parents. Suggestions include taking personal time, putting others first, being honest and up front, staying focused on being professional, letting go of selfishness, keeping quiet, listening, giving more than one takes, asking for a reprieve, and seeking…

Delineates signs of physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse in young children for child caregivers, and provides suggestions for recognizing abusive adults. Describes the law and procedures for reporting suspected abuse or neglect in Texas. Discusses the types of response from police or child protective services and how to continue working with…

Presents information on caring for infants in a child care setting. Suggestions include responding quickly to crying, setting the schedule to baby's pace, talking to the baby, using proper hand-washing procedures, checking the room daily for safety, going outdoors every day, and building partnerships with parents. Includes a sample form for…

This booklet focuses on direct service work with parents and children, and explores how leaders and staff can use the reflective approaches of the Look, Listen, and Learn model to establish high-quality relationships with families. The booklet addresses the complex decisions that service staff face daily by presenting strategies for use in setting…

Noting that child care arrangements are one of the most important decisions parents face, this videotape discusses characteristics to look for when evaluating a day care facility, either home-based or center-based. The 10-minute videotape suggests that parents' look for a facility in which the child will be both happy and safe, then outlines areas…

Five articles suggest ways to design welcoming, comforting, supporting, stimulating caregiving environments that are respectful to children and families: (1) "From Borders to Bridges: Transforming Our Relationships with Parents" (Ann Pelo); (2) "Supporting Multicultural, Multilingual Families" (Julie Garrett); (3) "Making Families Welcome" (Deadru…

Describes infant and toddler biting behavior as related to developmental differences in exploring the environment, learning cause-effect relationships, and using power to elicit a response. Discusses ways to deal with biting at each level, how to support parents dealing with the behavior at home, and the importance of taking biting related to…

Departures of child care staff often create an emotional climate that affects everyone. This article advises directors on communication strategies to inform parents of staff departures, including a case study on the well-handled departure of a staff worker who resigned without notice. A sample letter to parents is also provided. (EV)

Notes that the introduction of children of staff into programs can be problematic; offers suggestions for a smooth transition. Suggests that role distinctions should be clarified for staff-parent, staff-child and others to help all parties understand their particular responsibilities. An even application of center rules and open communication with…

Examines how child caregivers can shape parents' expectations of child care through written and visual materials. Includes suggestions for writing notes to parents, focusing on characteristics of good parent notes. Provides excerpts from sample notes and lists nine sources of parent/program conflict, including biting and child aggression, outdoor…