ENGAGING
WITH
FAMILIES
THEORIES OF THE STUDY OF
FAMILIES
There are 6 main theories in the study of families:
1-Functionalism: (A Marco-level
theory).
-Imagines society as a living thing,
with all the different parts working
together for the good of everything
involved.
2-Marxism: (Marcro-level theory).
-Believes that history changes and
influences how people relate and
interact with each other.
3-Symbolic Interactionism:
(Micro-level theory).
-Believes that people create
meaning by spending time and
talking to other people, and sees
society as being like an extended
family.
HOW HAS ECE CHANGED?
Early childhood education has
continued to change alongside
the shifts in societal norms
and laws in order to adapt to
new and all diverse family
dynamics.
(Albanese. 2022)
THE FAMILY-CENTERED APPROACH
The Family-Centered
approach values cultural
awareness and holds
strong beliefs including:
-Every family is unique, with
diverse coping methods,
cultures, religions, and
strengths that should be
respected without biases or
judgment.
-Family is crucial in a child's life
-Programs should support all
types of families, regardless
of differences.
(llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
(Brady. 2023)
4-Exchange Theory (Micro-level
theory).
-Believes that all relationships, even
those with mothers, are based on
give and take.
5-Family Systems Theory: (Micro-
level theory)
-Believes families are like small
groups where different personalities
come together to form the family
structure.
6-Developmental Theories: (Micro-
level theory)
-Believes there are 8 different
stages of development families go
through during the journey of the
family life cycle.
(Brady. 2023)
There has been a big shift from
Parent Involvement to Parent
Engagement. The switch is part of
Early Learning Frameworks which
prioritizes the importance of
engaging with not only the child but
building a relationship with the
parents also.
(Shimoni. 2019).
Parent Involvement is part of the
Parent Engagement approach. It
emphasizes communication
between educators and parents,
which is also a concept found in The
Family-Centered Approach.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
WITH FAMILIES
Valuing families creates an open dialogue with
parents, helping educators to understand the
child's home environment, bridge the gap between
home and school, and create learning plans that
accommodate the diverse schedules, cultures, and
interests of all students.
(Shimoni. 2019)

By creating an open dialogue between

caregivers and educators it can help prevent
seven sources where tensions often occur:

1-Logistical Matters: Parents' 4-Different Values, Beliefs, and

availability, ability and/or inability Worldviews: Caregivers and
to sign documents sent home. educators might have different
2-Emotional Responses: Making views on educating children.
judgments and placing blame 5-Difference in Power and
without enough information. Status: Caregivers might
3-Pre-Conceived Ideas and struggle to address the status of
Misconceptions: Often educators.
caregivers think that ECEs have 6-Different Roles and Scope of
an easy job, while ECEs feel that Function: Caregivers' sole focus
caregivers don't appreciate the is on their child (Personal).
work they do. Educators are concerned for the
children as a group (Professional).
7-Unclear Policies: Caregivers
might understand policies in a
way they were not intended.

(Brady. 2023)

ROLE OF EDUCATORS
ECEs continue to adapt
with society in order to
give the best care
possible.
An important way ECEs
can do this is by
constantly self-
reflecting and
acknowledging their
own social positions and
privileges. This can help
ECEs lose previous
judgments and biases
they may hold.

(Brady. 2023)

WHEEL OF POWER/ PRIVILEGE

REFERENCES
Brady, J. (2023) Introduction and Understanding Families [PowerPoint slides]
https://courses.torontomu.ca/d2l/le/content/800423/Home?itemIdentifier=TOC

Brady, J. (2023) Parent Engagement [PowerPoint slides]

https://courses.torontomu.ca/d2l/le/content/800423/viewContent/5300196/View

Brady, J. (2023) Resolving Conflict [PowerPoint slides]

https://courses.torontomu.ca/d2l/le/content/800423/viewContent/5300199/View

Brady, J. (2023) Who am I? & Canada’s Families: Historical and Contemporary Variations; Engaging with Parents as ECEs [PowerPoint
slides].
https://courses.torontomu.ca/d2l/le/content/800423/viewContent/5300193/View

Iryna Danyliuk. “Sky Clouds Icon.” Canva, October 1, 2023.

Nata De Coco, “Family Wearing A Mask Green.” Canva, October 1, 2023.

Shimoni, R., & Baxter, J.. (2019). Engaging with Families as Early Childhood Educators. In (Eds.), Working with families (pp. 3-9). 7th.

Shimoni, R., & Baxter, J.. (2019). Engaging with Families: Understanding Parent Engagement. In (Eds.), Working with families (pp. 63-76). 7th.

Shimoni, R., & Baxter, J.. (2019). Parent-Educator Engagement (Partial chapter). In (Eds.), Working with families (pp. 78-85). 7th.

Sketchify. “Hand Drawn Leaf.” Canva, October 1, 2023.

Sketchify Philippines. “Traditional Filipino Family Christmas Symbol or Element. Canva, October 1, 2023.

Sparklestroke Global. “Haninging Plant Illustration.” Canva, October 1, 2023.