Reflective Statement of Competency IV (Establish Positive and Productive Relationships with Families)Functional Area 11: The candidate establishes a positive, responsive and cooperative relationship with each child's family, engages in two-way communication with families, encourages their involvement in the program and supports the child's relationship with their family. Defining Family When we think of families, traditional and extended families whose members are biologically related come to mind. Family is defined as a group of two or more people related by birth, marriage or adoption and residing together. Families share common emotional bonds, values, goals and responsibilities and contribute significantly to each other's well-being. When a family includes children, one or more adults may take on an important role in the children's lives and become their parents. These adults may include biological parents, grandparents, stepparents, or anyone else who assumes a significant role in parenting and caring for the child. Building Partnerships with Families I spend time getting to know the families in the program to help build a positive and productive relationship. with parents and children. I select parent volunteers by determining their personality and temperament. Parents are invited to volunteer as readers, play characters, presenters and program chairs. I help parents understand their child's development and understand the child's point of view. I help parents arrange for alternative child care programs at school when necessary. As a caregiver, I observe and respect each family, cultural background, background...... middle of paper ......eedback . The highest rated area was number 4, which said "Uses activities, materials and equipment that allow my child to develop small muscle skills (like writing or pouring) and large muscle skills (like climbing or balancing) . I ensure this skill by letting Each student participate in physical play, for example during recess. Myself and the staff encourage each student to be very active. The lowest score in the entire family questionnaire was question number 14 which read “Communicate respectfully with my family in our preferred language”. This question instills in me a new goal of professional growth for myself and my staff, to learn the basics of Spanish to better communicate with parents and family whose preferred language is other than English, to m ensure that each parent understands what is happening at the center and with their child