The contemporary American family has many different faces, beliefs, backgrounds, and value systems--and new and future early interventionists, service providers, and educator must be ready to understand and work with families of every type. They'll learn how in this accessible textbook, which combines up-to-the-minute research on families and family-centered services with practical suggestions for working successfully with caregivers, especially those whose young children are at risk or have disabilities. Two trusted experts thoroughly prepare readers to understand and work respectfully with today's families, giving pre-service professionals

• an overview of demographics and family diversity, including factors such as family membership, socioeconomic status, culture, ethnicity, and language
• insight into how disability influences family life
• help with addressing specific risk factors that influence family life, such as disability, poverty, addiction, and violence
• a guide to factors that contribute to resilience
• tips on communicating and collaborating effectively with families
• guidelines on understanding legislation related to educational and family support, assessment, and intervention
• guidance on forming strong alliances with families and other professionals
• vignettes that paint vivid pictures of the challenges families face today

Enhanced throughout by its emphasis on human resilience and strength, this comprehensive blend of research and practice is every professional's expert guide to understanding and meeting the needs of diverse families with young children.