The director of the ABC Infant-Toddler Center wants to create a more supportive and family-centered atmosphere at the center. What are some specific strategies she can implement to help her achieve this goal?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Create a family resource center with reading and other materials about parenting, child development, potty training, positive discipline, and so on.
Have children’s books and activities to help siblings manage transition and sibling rivalry.
Provide regular training for staff about developing trusting relationships with families and supporting families and helping answer their questions/meet their needs (growth/development, recognizing signs/symptoms of postpartum depression, bonding/attachment, etc.).
Develop communication strategies that make it easy for staff to contact families and families to contact center staff.
Survey families to find out their culture, goals, and parenting practices/preferences.
Create space for mothers to nurse their infants and families to interact with their children at the center.
Develop open-door policies that allow for safe but easy access to family members.
Model and teach active listening; seek families’ advice about caring for their children.
Model and demonstrate respect for all families.
With families and staff, write center philosophy/position statement regarding family-supportive values and beliefs.
Post family-friendly policies throughout the center.