ABSTRACT
This chapter explores key methods of interacting with and engaging families from diverse backgrounds, notably those who come to practitioners with English as an Additional Language. Engaging families of other backgrounds starts with introspection. Cultural dimensions are commonly used to understand and interpret other cultures. Parent partnership exceeds simply asking parents to be a part of activities in the school. Parent partnership is about making parents feel that they are making a positive impact on school culture. How practitioners do this can be affected by school policy, and teacher and family preference. An EAL family may exhibit some reluctance to partner with a setting in any real way, and the first consideration for practitioners is to determine whether this reluctance is due to disinterest, or due to fear of embarrassment. Most issues faced by early years practitioners could be resolved if the communication channels are open and effective.
