One of nine competency-based training modules for personnel preparation in early childhood special education, this guide focuses on family collaboration. All modules are adaptable for use with a general audience, direct service personnel, or administrators and are based on the following principles of the Ohio Department of Education's Division of Early Childhood Education: developmentally appropriate practice; integration of children with disabilities with typically developing peers; collaborative relationships with families; attention to individual needs; and provision for and valuing of diversity among young children and their families. Modules are intended to be used in whole or in part, in groups or for self-instruction. Each module comprises goals; competencies (knowledge, skill, and values and attitudes); and objectives, with a matrix for each objective identifying enabling activities, resources, and leader notes. Relevant handouts, forms, and readings are provided for each objective. This module has five themes: (1) understanding and developing a working relationship between parents and professionals; (2) understanding family dynamics and building on family strengths; (3) enabling families to provide a supportive learning environment; (4) providing collaborative planning to assist families making program choices; and (5) linking families to appropriate related services. (Contains approximately 50 references.) (DB)