Chapter 13 Working with Families, Volunteers, and the Community ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Objectives Identify strategies for establishing reciprocal relationships with families. List items to be included in a handbook for families. Discuss contents and the value of center newsletters. Understand the process of recruiting and adding volunteers and becoming active in the community where services are provided. ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Goals of Director Develop a first-class program for children and their families Work with parents and volunteers Create a positive program climate ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Parent Program Must contain: –Positive attitudes toward families and what they can contribute to the center program –A recognition of the changing complexion of center families Multicultural mindset Valuing diversity (including language) –Communicate trust Parent receiving area Resources for parents Consistent staff ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Parent Program Parent program can be divided into three major categories 1.Parent contacts 2.Parent education 3.Parent involvement ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

1.If parents seem uncertain about becoming involved with the center, what ideas do you have to promote parent involvement? Discussion Question ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Parent Contacts Parent contacts range –Arrival or departure greetings –Formal interviews –Scheduled conferences –Parent meetings –Phone calls –Parent feedback ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Parent Conferences Share positive child experiences Show child work, samples Develop plans to facilitate the child’s progress Give parents time to share ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Parent Education Designed to improve –Parenting skills –Interpret the center program –Vocational education –Remedial classes (complete GED) –Information on consumerism, nutrition, stress or time management ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Parent Education Could be formal or informal –Workshops –Panels –Presentations –Seminars ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Parent Involvement Parent involvement is more than conferences and parent education –Active in planning, implementing, and evaluating the total program –Helping out in the classrooms –Working with children in a small, informal reading experience –Doing clerical work, repairs, or making equipment –Donating materials –Serve on the board or advisory committee –Demonstrate a skill (weaving, pottery) ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Parent Involvement Parents may feel –threatened by teacher knowledge –limited by their own school experiences –protective of a child with special needs ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Discussion Question 1.Why is it important to allow time for parents to share information about their child? ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Parent Handbooks Handbooks are a way to communicate basic information about the program –Statement of center philosophy –Outline of daily program –Fees and arrangements for payment –Transportation policies –Health and safety policies –Snacks and meals ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Parent Handbooks Handbooks are a way to communicate basic information about the program –Services center staff will offer children and families –Center discipline policy –Requests for help from parents –Summary of scheduled events –Expectations about child’s use of transition objects –Description of legal obligation of center staff to report any evidence of child abuse ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Volunteer Programs Provide ways to –serve the needs of the program –advocate for children Volunteer recruitment –Volunteer bureaus –Senior citizen groups –Business groups –High schools –Church groups ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Volunteer Programs Volunteer orientation –Get a clear understanding of how they fit into the total services offered by the center program –Provide staff directory and make introductions –Review daily schedule –Information on child guidance and center philosophy –Confidentiality of families and students –Logistics such as sign-in/out, where they should call if they expect to be absent, where they put their personal things ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Professional Organizations Joining professional organizations can –help directors in their professional career by obtaining new colleagues, associates –enhance their program with new ideas learned through the organization ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Professional Organizations Examples: –National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) –National Association for Child Care Professionals (NACCP) –National Afterschool Association (NAA) –National Child Care Association (NCCA) ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Working with the Community Referral agencies Chamber of Commerce Community Coordinated Child Care (4Cs) Jaycees/Kiwanis Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

1.Can you think of other ways for a center director to work with the community? Discussion Question ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Summary The Director –is accountable for the parent program –helps staff establish parent relationships –recruits volunteers –works with professional organizations ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.