2026 International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute

Family engagement is a cornerstone of equitable and effective assessment practices in inclusive early childhood education. This presentation explores how families can be meaningfully positioned as partners—not simply informants—in the assessment process. Drawing on culturally and linguistically responsive frameworks, the session highlights strategies for collaborating with families to gather authentic information about children’s strengths, needs, and everyday learning contexts. Participants will examine approaches that honor family expertise, promote shared decision-making, and support assessment practices that are inclusive, strengths-based, and developmentally appropriate. Practical examples and reflective tools will be shared to help educators and practitioners build reciprocal partnerships that enhance assessment quality and improve outcomes for young children and their families.