Strengthening Parental Trust: The Role of Parent-Preschool Partnership Activities

• In Event: Understanding Parent and Family Factors in Early Learning Settings

Abstract

Trust is a key element in building well-functioning parent-preschool partnerships (PPP). The present study examines what preschool and professional characteristics predict type and intensity of PPP activities, and how these activities support parental trust. 891 ECEC professionals and 728 families of 162 preschools participated in the present study. Path analyses showed that preschool’s structural characteristics and professionals´ beliefs and knowledge predicted type and intensity of PPP activities. Furthermore, results indicate that preschool invitations to partnership activities for participation and decision-making as well as to activities for parental education were positive related to parental trust. Consequently, training programs should make use of these results to enhance professionals’ competencies with regard to PPP, and thereby to strengthen parental trust.

Authors

• Theresia Gabriele Hummel, University of Bamberg

• Franziska Cohen, University of Freiburg

• Yvonne Anders, University of Bamberg