Diverse Family Structures
This list contains resources to help teachers support students from a variety of family structures.

IEL Resources
- Tip sheet: Let’s Talk About … Young Children and Family Structures
- Resource List: LGBTQ+ for Educators
Web Resources
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8 Ways to Honor Diverse Family Structures in the ECE Classroom
Source: Rassumssen University
This blog post provides concrete suggestions for welcoming the range of family structures in early childhood settings.
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Diverse Family Structures
Source: Wisconsin Technical College System
This book chapter discusses a range of family structures educators might encounter, and a sample scenario for discussion and reflection.
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Raising Grandchildren: Education
Source: American Association of Retired Persons
This article for grandparents raising children can alert teachers to the kinds of concerns grandparents may have about their grandchildren’s education.
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School Family Engagement with Grandfamilies in Mind
Source: The Ohio State University Center on Education and Training for Employment
This article presents 9 research-based strategies for engaging grandparents in their grandchildren’s education.
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Supporting Single Parents
Source: Teachers First
This blog post suggests several strategies for forming productive relationships with single parents.
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When a Foster Child Enters Your Care: Suggestions from a Foster Parent
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
This blog post by a foster parent contains tips for early childhood professionals working with families who are fostering children.
About this resource
Setting(s) for which the article is intended:- Child Care Center
- Preschool Program
Intended audience(s):
- Teachers / Service providers
Age Levels (the age of the children to whom the article applies):