Mick Coleman (Ph.D., The University of Georgia), Professor at The University of Georgia, retired from the Department of Human Development and Family Science in 2012.  Dr. Coleman′s book originated from his involvement in an interdisciplinary teacher training program at the University of Georgia. His duties in this program included teaching the course "Families, Schools and Communities" and supervising student teachers in the public schools. Dr. Coleman has published journal articles, books and training manuals related to family-teacher partnerships.  He has also made presentations on this topic at regional, national and international meetings.

"I am very likely to adopt this book for a course. Its informational, clear, pedagogical features are many and relevant to what students need to know."

• Section I: Foundations of Family InvolvementChapter 1: Contemporary Family Lives and Early Childhood Learning EnvironmentsChapter 2: Developing a Guiding Philosophy of Family InvolvementChapter 3: Benefits of Family Involvement for ChildrenChapter 4: Benefits of Family Involvement for Families and TeachersSection II: Understanding Family Lives in Contemporary SocietyChapter 5: Normed Families: Single-Parent Families, Stepfamilies, and Grandparents as CaregiversChapter 6: Emerging and Vulnerable Families: Gay and Lesbian Families and Families Living in PovertyChapter 7: Families of Children With DisabilitiesChapter 8: Immigrant Families and Families From Nondominant Cultures: Understanding the Adaptation ProcessChapter 9: Adopting a Culturally Responsive Approach to Family InvolvementSection III: Planning for and Facilitating Family InvolvementChapter 10: Responding to the Challenges of Family InvolvementChapter 11: Empowering Families Through Family InvolvementChapter 12: Creating a Welcoming Environment for FamiliesChapter 13: Communicating With FamiliesChapter 14: Organizing Your Family Involvement ProgramSection IV: Promoting the Well-Being of All ChildrenChapter 15: Protecting Children′s Health and SafetyAppendix: Position Statement: NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of CommitmentGlossaryReferencesPhoto CreditsIndexAbout the Author