WHAT ARE ITS GUIDING PRINCIPLES?
The distinguishing characteristic of family-centered programs is that all policies and practices are based on an underlying set of principles regarding their relationships with families. • Families are the primary influence in the lives of their children. Families are the center of children’s lives. Programs should create an environment which reflects the culture, strengths, and desires of families for their children. • It is not possible to accurately generalize about families. Professional caregivers take the time to get to know family members individually and to support them in their goals for their children. • Families have strengths. Families and child care professionals are partners who have the shared responsibility of doing the best for the children in their care. Child care professionals need to get to know families and build upon their strengths. • Families have something to offer child care providers. Traditionally, exchanges between arents and child care professionals have
