School, Family & The Community Rachelle Vargas March 17, 2014

Period of Development Today we will look at the Early Childhood: 2-6 years Developmental Milestones : “The body becomes longer and learner, motor skills are refined, and children become more self-controlled and self-sufficient. Make-believe play blossoms, supporting every aspect of psychological development. Thought and language expand at an astounding pace, a sense of morality become evident, and children establish ties with peers” (Berk, 2013). This is a very important milestone in a child’s life.

Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System How important are these levels?

What is my role as a child development professional? As a Child Development professional I believe every child is capable and eager to learn. By providing a nurturing, enriching and safe environment for a child to learn in is vital to a child’s development. I believe children learn through developmentally appropriate, “hands-on” activities that nurture children through their learning. Through preschool, family engagement, and community partnership to help foster the love of learning children can excel in their knowledge. By providing caring teachers, family support, and an environment conducive to learning a child can reach their potential in the emotional, social, physical, and cognitive areas of development. I believe children learn best when their parents are involved in their education. The primary bridge between the home and community is the involvement of family and community. Together with parents, teachers and the community we can help children develop to their highest potential.

How can we sustain partnerships with families and the community?

Lets look at the Epstein's Framework of Six Types of Involvement Type 1: Parenting What does this look like? As parents we need to be involved in our child’s school, we need to talk with our children about their day, we need to read to our child every night, take classes on parenting and get involved in school functions. We need to show our child how important they are! “The parent–child relationship refers to the emotional and physical connection between a parent and his or her child; it includes attributes such as emotional cohesion (closeness), parental influence on the child’s development, attachment, and parental investment in the child’s well being “ (Lutz, Anderson, Riesch, Pridham, & Becker, 2009, Turner & Welch, 2012). *Some ways schools can help support the family: Provide free and low cost parent workshops for families. Give out flyers of upcoming events in the community.

Type 2: Communicating What does this look like? Parents need to know their child’s teacher and the school that they are involved in. Make sure you go to family functions at school such as Open House, and Back to School Night. Get involved any way you can. “Decades of research show that when parents are involved students have Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates Better school attendance Increased motivation, better self-esteem Lower rates of suspension Decreased use of drugs and alcohol Fewer instances of violent behavior “(Michigan Dept. of Education, 2002). *Schools can help by having parent conferences and show parents where their child is developing. A monthly newsletter is another great communication tool to use.

Type 3: Volunteering What does this look like? Parents make sure you know that you can volunteer in your child’s classroom in many ways. One way is asking teacher what you can do or bring that can help them. Being involved and helping teacher is important for you, your child, and teacher. “When parents come to school regularly, it reinforces the view in the child's mind that school and home are connected and that school is an integral part of the whole family’s life” (Michigan Dept. of Education, 2002). *Schools can help by encouraging family involvement and provide different times for parents to come and volunteer. Also having parents help get things for the classroom such as paper, Kleenex and other small things helps families feel that they can get involved if they have to work full time.

Type 4: Learning At Home What does this look like? Children learn at home as well as at school. Make sure you take time to talk and participate in family activities. Eat together at the dinner time, set goals as a family, and provide a quite place for child to do their homework. “Parents, who read to their children, have books available, take trips, guide TV watching and provide stimulating experiences contribute to student achievement” (Michigan Dept. of Education, 2002). * Schools can help by involving families and the child in important curriculum related decisions. Providing monthly calendars of homework to make it easy for parents to keep track of their child’s homework.

Type 5: Decision Making What does this look like? PTA involvement is a great way to get connected with the school and feel part of the community. Parents should have a collaboration in their child’s education. “Lack of parental involvement is the biggest problem facing public schools” (Michigan Dept. of Education, 2002 *Schools can help by having Parent Advisory Committee meetings three times a year to help provide valuable input from their families.

Type 6: Collaborating with Community What does this look like? Parents can become involved with their community by going to their city Health Fair, local library, plays, and cultural events. “Research and field work show that parent-school-partnerships improve schools, strengthen families, build community support, and increase student achievement and success” (Van Roekel, D., 2008). *Schools can help by providing valuable resources to parents. Some Orange County family resources include: The Friendly Center, Help Me Grow, Pretend City, Family Support Network, Alta Med Health Services, WIC and Science Center.

References Berk, L. E. (2013).Child development. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Michigan Department of Education. What Research Says About Parent Involvement in Education in Relation to Academic Achievement. March Turner, P. & Welch, J. (2012). Parenting in Contemporary Society. (5 th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Van Roekel, D. (2008). Parent, Family, Community Involvement in Education. Retrieved from ment08.pdf