Regardless of family configuration,  background, strengths and/or challenges, every family wants the best for  their child(ren). When early childhood professionals partner  effectively with families, both contribute significant insights and  knowledge.

Communication between early childhood professionals and families may be  complicated by differences in values, beliefs, traditions, expectations,  and languages. Although every communication exchange should reflect a  thoughtful, planned approach that takes into consideration each family’s  unique characteristics, your own personal biases may get in the way of  meaningful communication.

Think about the many different kinds of families that you read about in this week’s resources.

Then,  consider the personal biases and preconceived notions that you may have  about specific types of families that may distort your perceptions and  consequently create barriers in communication.

Consider the following:

• A description of the biases and/or preconceived notions that you  might have about particular types of families that could impede your  communication with these families
• How these barriers might affect your interactions with children
• Offer you colleagues insights, lessons, and exceptional resources  you have come across both in this program of study and your experience  to help break down barriers to communication