Recognizing that a child's family is his or her first and most important teacher, this technical assistance paper stresses the importance of preschool teachers involving the family in the development of the child. It examines the fundamental principles that guide the creation of a partnership with parents and some of the objectives of building the family-school partnership. Four steps are identified that help in implementing an effective plan for involving families: (1) determining resources within and outside the school for implementing a Family Involvement Program; (2) getting to know the families; (3) devising a plan of action based on available resources and knowledge of the families; and (4) designing a calendar and formalizing plans. Strategies that can be used to build relationships with families are discussed, such as parent conferences, home visits, bulletin boards, notes, newsletters and handbooks. Mention is made of special considerations for families with special needs children. A sample parent conference sheet and newsletter as well as guidelines for parent conferences are included. Contains eight additional resources and seven references. (BAC)