Author and early childhood consultant, Carol Gestwicki addresses issues of diversity in contemporary families and the situations in which educators teach. With an emphasis not only on the theoretical approach, but also on the practical approach the reader will have the knowledge to immediately employ the suggested strategies.

This fifth edition of a best-seller is a valuable tool for teachers who strive to form collaborative relationships with their students' families. Author and early childhood consultant, Carol Gestwicki addresses issues of diversity in contemporary families and the situations in which educators teach. With an emphasis not only on the theoretical approach, but also on the practical approach the reader will have the knowledge to immediately employ the suggested strategies. Case studies of typical families and teachers, and descriptions of real, family-centered programs, portray the challenges and successes teachers can expect. Key features include Web sites, tables, photos, activities, references, case studies and additional suggested readings.

Foreword

Preface

Introduction to Families

Section 1

 Chapter 1 Families Today

What Defines a Family?

Demographics of Modern Families

Why Study Sociological Trends?

 Chapter 2 Parenting

Roles Parents Play

Parenthood as an Emotional Experience

Appendix: Touchpoints Model

 Chapter 3 A Day with Two Families: Diversity of Experience

The Lawrence Family

The Ashley Family

Implications for Teachers

Diversity

Teat, her-Family Partnerships in Early Education

Section 2

 Chapter 4 What Is Family Involvement?

Perspectives on Family Involvement

Brief History of Family Involvement

Research on Child Development As Motivation to Include Parents

Mandated Parent Involvement

Community Concern for Family Support

 Chapter 5 Benefits of Teacher-Family Partnerships for Children, Parents. and Teachers

Benefits for Children

Benefits for Parents

Benefits for Teachers

 Chapter 6 Potential Barriers to Teacher-Family Partnerships

Why Are There Barriers?

Differences between Teaching and Parenting

Maneuvering over Turf

The Issue of Trust

Differences in Expertise

Barriers Caused by External Factors

 Chapter 7 Fundations ofa Successfu! Partnership

Teacher Ideas and Attitudes

External Factors

Methods for Developing Partnerships

Section 3

 Chapter8 At the Beginning with Parents and Children

Initial Contact between Teacher, Parent, and Child

Dealing with Separation Experiences

 Chapter 9 Informal Communication with Families

Communication Methods

 Chapter 10 Parent-Teacher Conferences

Importance of Regular Conferences

Groundwork for a Successful Conference

Strategies for a Successful Conference

Pitfalls to Avoid for a Successful Conference,

Conference Evaluation

 Chapter 11 Home Visits with Parents and Children

Purposes of a Home Visit

Undertaking Home Visit

Post-Visit Responsibilitiei

Advantages of Home Visi

Disadvantages of Home Visits

Home-Based Educational and Support Programs

 Chapter 12. Families in the Cassrom

Advantages and Potential Problems

Getting Parents Involved

Teacher's Role

 Chapter 13 Parent Eduqati~o

What Is Parent Education?

Implementing a Parent Education Program

Parents As Decision Makers

 Chapter 14 It Takes a Village: Teachers, Families,and Communities

Corporate Involvement

Legislative Initiatives

Linkages within the Community

The Role of Advocate

Community As Educational Resource

Making a Partnership Work

Section 4

Chapter 15 Working with Families from Diverse Backgrounds

A Rationale for Teacher Attention to Diversity

Strategies for Teachers

Negotiating with Cultural Conflict

Common Cultural Issues That Arise in Classrooms

What Does Working with Diversity Look Like?

 Chapter 16 Working with Families in Particular Circumstances

Working with Families Undergoing Change Due to Divorce

Working with Parents of Children with Special Needs,

Working with Parents of Infants

Working with Families When Abuse Occurs

Working with Adoptive Families

 Chapter 17 Working to Resolve Troublesome Attitudes and Behaviors

Hostility

Indifference

Over-Involvement

Frequent Causes of Tension between Parents and Teachers

 Chapter 18 Looking at Parent-Involvement Programs That Work

Lakewood Preschool Cooperative, Charlotte, North Carolina

Family Resource Center, Fort Myers, Florida

Gorham House Preschool, Gorham, Maine

Auraria Campus Child Care Center, Denver, Colorado

Appendix: Resource Directory

Glossary

Index