Roles of Family Members

When partnering with families they serve several roles including experts, team members, learners, and advocates.

Experts

Black outline of a torso with 4 arrows pointing towards it.

When families are seen as experts on their child, they are able to share unique information and viewpoints of the child.

Information that families are experts on include:

  • Child’s temperament,
  • Physical needs,
  • Routines,
  • Family and home dynamics,
  • The families’ priorities and goals for the child, and
  • Preferences of the child.

Team member

Black outline to two torsos. Chat bubbles above heads to indicate they are talking.

As team members families are able to work with early childhood professionals in the assessment planning, gather information on their child, share at home observation notes, and more.

Learners

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Most families want to learn more about their children and their development.  Provide opportunities to share information with families and help them learn about the assessment, the process, and ways that they can support children’s learning and goals.

Advocate

Black line drawing of three hands raised.

Families will often serve as the loudest and best advocate for their child to help their children get the services needed.

Watch this video

What this video and think – how could you support the family as an expert, team member, learner, and advocate for the child. Record your responses in your handout.

Video must be watched entirely in order to progress through the course. You do not need to watch any recommended videos at the end.