Competency Standard # 2 - Building Family and Community Relationships

As early childhood educators, standard number two states that we should make an effort to
provide opportunities to involve families and recognize their culture, language, customs, beliefs,
and values. We should celebrate their diversity by celebrating the differences in all children. We
should realize that understanding cultural beliefs and priorities in families is key to building
relationships. It is important that we partner with families to understand the childs and familys
strengths, goals, interest, challenges, and recognize and value all families and move away from
stereotypes and preconceived ideas about different kinds of families. Building family and
community relationships mean we should help family members enhance their understanding of
their children through communication, and support family members in the continuing
development of their skills as parents. We should also be aware of local political and social
events through newspapers, social media, radio and TV announcements that alert the program to
the issues and causes that are meaningful to the members of the community.
I chose an Artifact from CHD 146 - Teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies, a Vietnamese
cultural arts holiday poster representing diversity, and multiculturalism. Tet (Tet Nguyen Dan)
which means the first morning of the first day of the new period. The class covered the
importance of working with families to support childrens development and success, and the role
culture plays in social studies. It explores how children are beginning to examine themselves,
their families, and the community they live in, and how childrens connect to their family roots
and develop a sense of belonging. This is important because children values stem from their own
cultural background, experiences, and beliefs. As early childhood educators we must try to
understand the children and family beliefs and be respectful and non-judgmental.
Standard number two helps me to acknowledge and respect the dignity of each family and their
culture, customs, and beliefs. It encourages teachers to develop relationships of mutual trust,
promote partnerships with the families, and encourage them to participate in the education
program. I have learn to share information with the family about their childs education and
development to help them understand and appreciate their child early learning. The connection
between home, community, and the childs program is important. It is imperative as an early
childhood educator that I communicate often and openly with the family to learn more about the
childs life at home, and discuss community issues or services available to families. I have
learned that families of young children want daily reports covering the events of the day. Moving
forward I will make two-way journaling a part of my daily routine to help build strong
parent/teacher relationships. I will support policies and laws that promote the well-being of
children and families, and work to change those that impair their well-being.