Families cultural backgrounds and life experiences will relate to and have an impact on the working relationship between families and their services providers. Every family cultural background is different. It is, however, always involved in a dynamic, continuous development of change that affects the way each member lives their life. As service providers we must respect and acknowledge those differences and support the families resources, style, and strengths. The myth in life is that all families are a alike.
Reality is that each family is unique.
The families' values and customs may be different than those of the educational team. Some families do not speak English and an interpreter will be needed for meetings. If the parent does not read well enough to interpret the notices they receive by mail a phone may be a more appropriate way of communicating. Everyone must remember that each member of the team's time, including the parent's, is valuable. When both parents work or the child is in a single parent home, scheduling could be even more difficult.