Childhood professionals

    Regardless of family configuration, background, strengths and/or challenges, every family wants the best for their child(ren). When early childhood professionals partner effectively with families, both contribute significant insights and knowledge. Communication between early childhood professionals and families may be complicated by differences in values, beliefs, traditions, expectations, and languages. Although every communication exchange should reflect a thoughtful, planned approach that takes into consideration each family’s unique characteristics, your own personal biases may get in the way of meaningful communication. Think about the many different kinds of families that you read about in this week’s resources. Then, consider the personal biases and preconceived notions that you may have about specific types of families that may distort your perceptions and consequently create barriers in communication. Consider the following: A description of the biases and/or preconceived notions that you might have about particular types of families that could impede your communication with these families How these barriers might affect your interactions with children Offer you colleagues insights, lessons, and exceptional resources you have come across both in this program of study and your experience to help break down barriers to communication