Partnerships with Families and Communities Building Dynamic Relationships

This chapter introduces the rationale and conceptual ideas for partnership work in education settings in the early years and primary setting. It provides arguments for building dynamic relationships as the basis of partnerships with families and community. You will learn about the benefits of partnerships and how these benefits can impact positively on children, families, professionals and communities as a whole.You will also explore key underpinning policies, legislations and research theories that positions strong, positive and proactive partnerships as a systemic solution to children’s learning development.At the same time, you will be able to appreciate the need to form partnerships for the good of children’s development as well meet the standards of practice that teachers and professionals in general should aspire to achieve.This chapter sets the stage for the rest of book, which aims at enabling and empowering you to build authentic and sustainable partnerships with families, external professionals and community representatives.