NAEYC Standard Two:
Building Family and Community Relationships
Students prepared in early childhood degree programs understand that successful early childhood education depends upon partnerships with children’s families and communities. They know about, understand, and value the importance and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities. They use this understanding to create respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families and to involve all families in their children’s development and learning.
Key elements of Standard 2
2a: Knowing about and understanding diverse family and community characteristics
2b: Supporting and engaging families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships
2c: Involving families and communities in their children’s development and learning
NAEYC Standard 2 focuses on building positive, respectful relationships with families and recognizing the important role they play in a child’s development and learning. I believe that families are a child’s first and most important teachers, and strong partnerships between home and school are essential for supporting each child as a whole.
In my teaching, I make it a priority to communicate openly and consistently with families. I strive to create a welcoming environment where families feel comfortable, valued, and included in their child’s learning experience. This includes sharing updates, offering support during transitions, and providing opportunities for families to be involved in meaningful ways.
I also recognize that every family is unique, with different backgrounds, values, and experiences. Because of this, I work to be respectful, flexible, and responsive in my communication and interactions. I aim to build trust by listening to families, acknowledging their perspectives, and working together to support their child’s growth.
Overall, my approach to Standard 2 is rooted in the belief that when families and teachers work together, children feel more secure, supported, and successful in the classroom.
This newsletter is an example of how I communicate with families and build relationships, which connects to NAEYC Standard 2. I created and sent this out to parents when I was teaching young preschool to help make the transition into my classroom easier for both children and their families.
Starting in a new classroom can feel overwhelming, so I wanted families to know what to expect right from the beginning. In the newsletter, I shared information about our daily routine, what a typical day would look like, and the overall environment of the classroom. I also included how I approach learning and behavior, along with simple ways families could support their child at home during this transition.
My goal was to make families feel comfortable, informed, and included. I believe that when families know what’s going on and feel welcomed, it helps build trust and creates a stronger connection between home and school. This kind of communication also helps children adjust more smoothly because there is more consistency between their home and school environments.
Overall, this newsletter shows how I value family involvement and try to be intentional about keeping communication clear, supportive, and welcoming from the very beginning.
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