Respects Culture of Family

The professional working with young children respects families and is responsive to language, culture, family characteristics, needs, concerns and priorities.

Resources & Media for Understanding Competency 2.1

Behaviors & Skills

• a
  Treats families with dignity and respect
  
  
• b
  Refrains from passing judgment on families that may depart from his or her standards or expectations
  
  
• c
  Treats parents and family members as individual adults
  
  
• d
  Works to identify and uphold families' hopes and dreams for their child
  
  
• e
  Recognizes parents as the primary influence on their children
  
  
• f
  Considers families or parents as central; the most important decision-makers in a child's life and honors their decision-making style
  
  
• g
  Works to identify and empower the strengths and competence of the family
  
  
• h
  Works in partnership with families to identify goals for their child
  
  
• i
  Works with families in an individualized and flexible manner, including around parents' work schedules
  
  
• j
  Takes time to learn about families' race, religion, home language, family structure, employment situation, other child care situations, as well as their values and beliefs about childhood, education, and intervention
  
  
• k
  Responds sensitively to parents' concerns, ways of coping, and child-rearing practices
  
  
• l
  Respects families' boundaries
  
  
• m
  Engages in courteous behavior with families (being on-time, keeping appointments, returning communication)
  
  
• n
  Invites family members to include the people they would like to participate in meetings and activities
  
  
• o
  Is open to learning and new information about family relationships
  
  
• p
  Participates in cultural events in the community to better understand the families with whom they work