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…

In 2000 ACEI began an exploration of the potential role that a code of professional ethics might have in the Association. The Public Affairs Committee recommended that the Executive Board appoint an ad hoc Ethics Committee. That committee, under the leadership of Nita Barbour, accepted its charge to provide guidance to colleagues who struggle to…

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;…

Presents principles to guide the development of a family-school involvement approach for nurturing caring in children. Considers the importance of family-strengthening activities and the role of schools in creating caring children and parents. Suggests activities that focus on caring and that are mutually beneficial to family and school. (KB)

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…

Describes aspects of the father's role from the birthing process through the infant, preschool, and kindergarten-primary years and into the elementary and middle years of childhood. (RH)

Explores topics related to how families, schools, and communities can use communication to strengthen their partnerships. Discusses how communication empowers participants in a shared-learning process, and explores how attitudes shape communication efforts. Examines the role of culture in the communication process, focusing on how cultural…

This article describes seven dimensions of establishing a caring community at the University of Arkansas Nursery School in Fayetteville. Key components relate to the director setting the tone for the school, the instructor-student relationship, empathetic teacher-child interactions, empathetic teacher-parent interactions, celebration of…

The focus of this book is on enabling parents, teachers and other caregivers to develop home-school situations where children and adults can learn and grow in positive ways. Chapter One includes a discussion of how parents and teachers learn from each other. In addition, the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children are…