The family is viewed as part of the program and the program is viewed as part of the family's life. A system exists for families to be part of the program's planning process and policy-making. The partnership between family members and program staff is based on cooperation, respect, and the mutual goal of doing their best for the children in their care. In family-centered programs, 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 a great deal to offer child care providers. Traditionally, exchanges between parents and child care professionals have been viewed as a means of informing families about their child.