‘acknowledge & promote ‘parent-child’ connections between the educational setting and home’ by Tanya Lee Nikiforides The animation “Between flowers” & “Black moth” (Gifs network operator) The photo “MP900427910” (Office Microsoft commercial site) The image “Jet” (Office Microsoft commercial site)

‘parents are the first and foremost educators of their children’ know their child better than anyone else see their child under every imaginable circumstance aware of their child’s likes and dislikes, joys & anxieties know what they want for their child (Allen & Marotz, 2003, p.172.4) The animation “Blue butterfly 2” (Gifs network operator )

‘experiences in the environment nurturing parents involvement from the setting to home’ “the best way to ensure parents’ involvement is to make sure they feel welcome” (Bender, 2005, p. 31 -33) (Marsh, 2008, p.181) The animation “Welcome blackboard” (Office Microsoft commercial site) communicate regularly: use notes, telephone calls and letters communicate clearly: make the messages clear and simple describe expectations clearly Emphasise children’s progress rather than dwelling on shortcomings

‘disposition of the educator’ “Educators need to know what happens in the world of the children with whom they work. They need to know the universe of their dreams, the language with which they skilfully defend themselves from the aggressiveness of their world, what they know independently of the school, and how they know it” Paulo Freire (1971) value each others knowledge of each child value each other’s contributions to and roles in each child’s life trust each other communicate freely and respectfully with each other share insights and perspectives about each child engage in shared decision-making ‘the nature of partnerships’ The book Belonging, Being & Becoming The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (2009) The animation “Butterfly 6” (Gifs network operator) The photo “Young girl dressed in a fairy costume, reading a book” (Office Microsoft commercial site)

The animation “Animated image of a teacher pointing to the blackboard” (Office Microsoft commercial site) Recognition of the role of ‘grandparents’ in today’s society (Dunne & Kettler, 2008; Wilcoxon, 1987 )

‘educational outcomes’ children, parents & educators’ (Dr Abbey, 2012, p.15) The photo “MP900431844” (Office Microsoft commercial site) The animation “Cardinal” (Gifs network operator) “She evoked the children’s interest through hatching a monarch butterfly. When the butterfly emerged on a Saturday, she rang each family and invited them to be a part of its tag and release. The educator involved the children and their parents in recording: the day and date; temperature; wind conditions; sex of butterfly; and, the precise time it was released. The children listened intently to her every word and followed her every movement. One little boy (four years) told me that this butterfly would fly the distance it takes a big jet plane five-and-a-half hours to travel”.