Chapter 8: Self-Regulation & Families

How Does Learning Happen? (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014) discusses the “importance of creating a sense of belonging through fostering relationships and connections.” The family connection is a key component of a high-quality program for children, and understanding the impact of family connection is essential for any early childhood educator.

Families are experts on their children, and as such, they can be a valuable component of understanding each child’s unique needs and how best to support them. When families are engaged and a part of the learning environment, they contribute to the overall classroom atmosphere by bringing insights that help tailor learning experiences to each child. This partnership fosters a nurturing environment where children feel seen, understood, and supported, enhancing their confidence and willingness to explore, learn, and grow. Family involvement also strengthens the bond between home and school, creating a consistent, encouraging space that benefits the entire classroom community.

Involving families in the classroom creates a rich and supportive learning environment. Families bring valuable cultural knowledge, which can be a valuable asset for educators to know and understand. As noted in The Kindergarten Program (2016), “It is important for educators and children’s families to work together to support the continued development of a child’s first language” (p.69). By collaborating with families, educators can better understand and respect each child’s linguistic foundation, building upon it to enhance literacy and communication skills. This partnership also reinforces the child’s identity in their heritage, fostering a classroom atmosphere that respects and celebrates diverse cultural backgrounds. Together, families and educators can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for every child.

Families can also provide insight into activities, hobbies, and traditions that are important to their child, enriching the classroom with each family’s unique interests. When children are encouraged to share these aspects of their lives, they feel more involved and seen in the classroom, which fosters a sense of belonging and helps them connect more deeply with their peers and educators. Perhaps a child skis every winter, or maybe their favourite food is pistachio ice cream; when families and children share their interests with their school community, they bring a piece of their personal world into the classroom. This sharing helps children feel valued and recognized, builds stronger connections with peers, and allows educators to weave these personal touches into the learning experience, making it more engaging and relevant for each child.