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Changing views
One of the major obstacles that many school-age teachers and caregivers face are the changing views about the connection between families and schools or child care centers. Previously, the model of keeping a separation between home and school or child care centers was the norm, but has since been rethought as this model simply does not work. It is now recognized that involving families in children's creative and cognitive growth relies heavily on the belief that parents are the first teachers and socializers of their children. This leads us to a partnership model where parents are viewed as equals in their children's education. This partnership between families and child care givers or teachers helps all children be successful in all pursuits during childhood. |
How do we make those partnerships?
Teachers, caregivers and families have a huge impact on children's growth, development, self-esteem, aspiration levels, motivation and self view. To best communicate with families, it is important that teachers and caregivers empower families in the mutual goals in education for their children. Identifying potential obstacles, effective methods and strategies for bettering their child's education will empower families to create a solid partnership.
There are three principles that are recommended to help guide caregivers for creating those partnerships with families.
1. Use the strengths of your children's families. Using the knowledge that parents have about their children's strengths, weaknesses, challenges and talents will help create and strengthen those partnerships between families and child care centers.
2. Provide comfortable ways for families to become involved in their children's play and creative growth. It is imperative that caregivers understand the values, customs, and traditions typical of the cultural groups that are represented in their centers. For example, some cultures may not be initially comfortable with the idea of a partnership between home and school or child care, and may be weary or confused by the idea. Sending home brief but frequent notes about a child's performance, abilities or successes can help keep parents involved in a comfortable and important way.
3. Encourage a cooperative partnership. As a caregiver, you can either assume that you already know what needs to be done for a child without consulting the family, or you can enlist the family's input in developing opportunities for the child's meaningful learning and thinking. It is preferable to enlist the family's assistance in developing learning opportunities for their children and when planning activities. One idea is to consult families using a questionnaire. By involving the families you create a cooperative relationship that will grow over time.
Teachers, caregivers and families have a huge impact on children's growth, development, self-esteem, aspiration levels, motivation and self view. To best communicate with families, it is important that teachers and caregivers empower families in the mutual goals in education for their children. Identifying potential obstacles, effective methods and strategies for bettering their child's education will empower families to create a solid partnership.
There are three principles that are recommended to help guide caregivers for creating those partnerships with families.
1. Use the strengths of your children's families. Using the knowledge that parents have about their children's strengths, weaknesses, challenges and talents will help create and strengthen those partnerships between families and child care centers.
2. Provide comfortable ways for families to become involved in their children's play and creative growth. It is imperative that caregivers understand the values, customs, and traditions typical of the cultural groups that are represented in their centers. For example, some cultures may not be initially comfortable with the idea of a partnership between home and school or child care, and may be weary or confused by the idea. Sending home brief but frequent notes about a child's performance, abilities or successes can help keep parents involved in a comfortable and important way.
3. Encourage a cooperative partnership. As a caregiver, you can either assume that you already know what needs to be done for a child without consulting the family, or you can enlist the family's input in developing opportunities for the child's meaningful learning and thinking. It is preferable to enlist the family's assistance in developing learning opportunities for their children and when planning activities. One idea is to consult families using a questionnaire. By involving the families you create a cooperative relationship that will grow over time.
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