Families come in many forms, reflecting varied cultures, ethnicities, belief systems and family structures. When educators welcome families as partners in their children’s learning, acknowledging, respecting and valuing these differences, children are more likely to succeed.

This collection of articles stresses the primary importance of families in children’s development and promotes communication, cooperation and collaboration between home and early childhood programs.

Topics addressed include: helping families to support learning at home, acknowledging culture and promoting inclusion, sharing the care of infants and toddlers, meeting with families and creating safe, just places to learn for children of lesbian and gay parents. A section with questions and follow-up activities will be especially helpful for educators conducting early childhood courses and students.