Module Objectives
In this module you will:
- Examine family enagement
- Identify how to engage families of infants
- Analyze practices that engage families
- Identify practices to engage practices
- Evaluate ECE 209
Activity #1: Week 10 ECE 209 Survey
We are 2/3 of the way through the semester. Please complete this 5-question anonymous survey to share your feedback about ECE 209:
I appreciate your time and feedback!
Activity #2: Readings & Watchings
- Read Steen Foster (2022)
- Longley & Gilken (2025) p. 33-36
- Watch TAPS Partnerships with Families: Part 1 (2012)
Read Steen Foster (2022)
Read Longley & Gilken (2025) p. 33-36
Watch TAPS Partnerships with Families: Part 1 (2012)
OPTIONAL: Complete this handout as you read and watch.
Optional Readings & Watchings:
- Halgunseth (2009)
- Koraleck et al., (2019)
- Allred & Hancock (2015)
Activity #3: Effective Practices for Working with Families who have Infants
What are the effective practices for working with families who have infants from the reading in this module? Identify your source (reading or video) as you develop a list of practices. Your reading may have described families of older children; how can you apply the information to families who have infants? Post you list in the comments below.
8 thoughts on “Engaging Families”
Honoring family Culture,language, and caregiving traditions, falls under respect- -Five Rs for Promoting Positive Family Engagement-
bweikia Foster Steen
For respond we can help with timely supports, resources, and follow-up -Five Rs for Promoting Positive Family Engagement-
Bweikia Foster Steen
Family participations the first step in the continuum of partnering with families.- Essential Elements of Infant Curriculum- Jennifer M. Longley and Jennifer Gilken
Engaging parents in their child’s contribute to their education- Jennifer M. Longley and Jennifer Gilken
collaborating with parents on setting goals and making decisions on what is best for the child- Jennifer M. Longley and Jennifer Gilken
Building trust through open, Respectful communication- TAPS Partnerships with Families: Part 1 (2012)
Honoring families as the as infant’s first teacher, families know their child best- TAPS Partnerships with Families: Part 1 (2012)
collaborate on routines as curriculum by asking parents about feeding schedules, sleepings cues, soothing techniques. – TAPS Partnerships with Families: Part 1 (2012)
Joselin — Thanks for sharing your Seminar Effective Practices post. You identified the following effective practices for working with families who have infants:
— honor family’s culture, language, and caregiving practices
— offer supports, resources & follow-up to families
— encourage family participation & contribution
— engage families
— collaborate with families on goal setting and making decisions
–build trust through open, respectful communication
— honor family’s expertise as their child’s first teacher
— collaborate with families
You listed the source you used to identify the effective practices. I wonder, did the readings & watchings in this module mention other effective practices for working with families?
According to Halgunseth (2009), effective practices for working with families include building strong, respectful partnerships, communicating clearly, and honoring each family’s culture and beliefs. To apply this with families who have infants, you can start by creating a warm and welcoming relationship where parents feel valued and supported. You can ask parents about their daily routines, listen to their concerns, and show respect for their cultural practices around feeding, sleeping, and caring for their baby. Sharing simple information about infant development and encouraging parents to stay involved helps them feel confident. By using the family’s home language when possible and including their cultural traditions, you make sure families feel understood and included as partners in their infant’s growth.
Tionne — Thanks for your Effective Practices Seminar post on Engaging Families. You identified the following effective practices for working with families who have infants and the source of the practices:
— build strong effective partnerships
— communicate clearly
— honor each family’s culture & beliefs
— sharing information with families
— encouraging family involvement in the program
— using the family’s home language
I wonder, did the reading & watchings mention other effective practices for working with families who have infants? I wonder, how are these practices different from practices identified in previous modules?
Effective Practices for Working With Families of Infants
(Source: Steen, B. F. Five Rs for Promoting Positive Family Engagement)
1.Respect families as their child’s first teachers.
Listen to families concerns especially when it comes to feeding, sleep routines, or what comforts their baby.
2. Maintain constant communication.
Sharing photos or short videos throughout the day allows families to see that their infant is happy and cared for.
3.Build relationships through daily greetings and conversations.
Giving quick updates about eating, diapering, naps, and any new little milestones helps families feel connected.
4. Be responsive and flexible to each family’s needs.
Asking families what works at home or what ways they calm their baby and try to use those same strategies in the classroom.
5. Include family culture in the classroom.
Respect each family’s culture and home routines, like their soothing methods or the language they speak with their baby.
Effective Practices for Working With Families of Infants
(Source: Steen, B. F. Five Rs for Promoting Positive Family Engagement)
1.Respect families as their child’s first teachers.
Listen to families concerns especially when it comes to feeding, sleep routines, or what comforts their baby.
2. Maintain constant communication.
Sharing photos or short videos throughout the day allows families to see that their infant is happy and cared for.
3.Build relationships through daily greetings and conversations.
Giving quick updates about eating, diapering, naps, and any new little milestones helps families feel connected.
4. Be responsive and flexible to each family’s needs.
Asking families what works at home or what ways they calm their baby and try to use those same strategies in the classroom.
5. Include family culture in the classroom.
Respect each family’s culture and home routines, like their soothing methods or the language they speak with their baby.
Effective Practices for Working with Families who have Infants
Providing a welcome environment
Providing information and referrals
Respect each family culture
Build strong communication
involving the families in different activities
having regulary communication with the families
Collaborated on routines
engaging families in their child’s education
From Steen Foster (2022):
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with families.
• Communicate daily about feeding, sleep, and routines since infants can’t express their needs.
• Include families in decisions about caregiving.
• Respect each family’s structure, background, and experiences.
From Longley & Gilken (2025):
• Use family-centered, collaborative practices when planning care.
• Focus on family strengths and what they do well.
• Recognize families as the experts on their infant’s cues and needs.
• Keep routines consistent between home and the program to support infant security.
From TAPS Partnerships with Families: Part 1 (2012):
• Build genuine partnerships by encouraging families to share goals and preferences.
• Communicate with empathy and without judgment.
• Create a welcoming environment where families feel valued.
• Work together with families to support the baby’s well-being and development.
How this applies to families with infants:
• Infants need consistent adult care, so strong communication and trust with families are essential.
• Matching home routines helps infants feel safe and secure.
• Understanding family culture and preferences leads to better, more responsive infant care.