96 Family & Community Partnerships 2. Communication (continued) 4. Communicating in Ways Children & Families Can Understand Level 1 Recognize the importance of communicating in a manner that matches the family’s style, preferred language, level of understanding, and preferred means of communication. FCP 2.4.1 Level 2 Accommodate diverse backgrounds, various languages, and preferred styles of communication. Learn a few words in each child’s home language, such as greetings, names of family members, words of comfort, and important objects or places. FCP 2.4.2 Level 3 Create strategies to engage family members from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Design the learning environment to incorporate some elements of the languages spoken in the home. Arrange for translation when necessary to ensure clear communication. FCP 2.4.3 Level 4 Develop policies and procedures that guide communication methods to ensure all families served are able to understand and respond appropriately. Provide learning opportunities for staff on the principles of and strategies for effective communication. FCP 2.4.4 Level 5 Provide learning opportunities, leadership, resources, and information based on best practices to: o Address systemic barriers to effective communication o Increase availability of information and services in home languages FCP 2.4.5