The organization that I have selected to focus on during my studies of this course is Pre-K Now. (http://www.preknow.com) This organization focuses on the needs and functions of a pre-K curriculum, as well as issues that affect pre-K programs throughout the country. It includes parent and school viewpoints, as well as federal and state issues regarding pre-K programs. I enjoy the fact that for each topic discussed on the website or in the e-newsletter, there are links to other articles and scholarly journals that can help the reader develop a clearer understanding and add differing viewpoints.
The current issue that caught my eye on the website this week was the importance of engaging parents in order to have a successful program. Often times, we focus so much on our students, we fail to properly engage their families in the program as well. When looking through the “educator resources” on the Pre-K Now website, I found what I believe to be the most effective way to include families in their child’s pre-K program; “Open your program. Invite families and community leaders to visit the program and to observe classrooms and visit with teachers, staff, and other parents. Provide opportunities for parents to meet with school district officials and learn about the school system.” (www.preknow.com)
In order to include families in my program, we have an open door policy. Families are welcome to visit the classroom, join on a walk, or participate and create activities with us any day of the week. We have had fathers come in to read stories, and moms join us for an art project; we’ve even had older siblings come in to read a story and play for the morning. Because our students’ families are so involved in our program, the children feel comfortable there and continuously connected to home in our classroom.
As an organization, we provide opportunities for parents to socialize through fundraising events, and social gatherings. For example, we had an auction and party in our greenhouse on a Saturday to raise money for the preschool. This party gave staff and parents an opportunity to get to know one another without the children present. Building relationships like this with families assists us in providing their children with quality education.
Another suggestion on how to engage families in the program is to “recruit and retain appropriate staff. Offer professional development workshops for teachers on diversity-related topics and on how to foster a family-centered program. Make an effort to recruit a culturally and linguistically diverse staff.” (www.preknow.com) It is important for the staff to be diverse. This doesn’t limit to just cultural diversity though, I feel that this also includes a diverse group of individuals who are all different and offer the children something unique. For example, we do not have a very culturally diverse staff at my school, but we are all very different individuals. I feel that each of the students has a special connection with one of us that allow them to feel safe and comfortable in their classroom.
Having a “diverse” staff also allows children to be exposed to the different ways that people choose to present themselves. For example, I have a nose piercing and tattoos on my ankle and foot that are visible to children. When I asked my boss how she felt about this exposure to the students, she said; “I would rather their impression of someone with a facial piercing and tattoos be their teacher; someone they love and respect; than have them be frightened by such things.” I couldn’t agree with her more.
Engaging families and respecting diversity amongst staff and students ties in with our topic of the week; changing demographic and diversity. “By recognizing, respecting, and accommodating the range of family backgrounds, arrangements, and circumstances, engagement can offer benefits to parents and family members as well as to children.” (www.preknow.com)
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Looks like a great resource! I really like the link that includes resources for Spanish speaking parents. I look forward to exploring this resource in depth.
ReplyDeleteEngaging the parent's in the child's education shows that the parent is supportive in everything their child does.
ReplyDeleteRaina,
ReplyDeleteWe have an open door policy at our school also. We are also encouraging parents to observe and becoming involved in their child's day. From the most recent course we also learned how vital parent involvement is to a high quality program. It looks as though this is a great resource. Definitely one that I will be sharing with my teachers.
Parent involvement is critical to a child's future success. As educator's we need to create relationships with parents in order for our students to be able to reach their full potentional. I agree with the open door program. As educators not only do we need to find ways to meet the needs of our student's, but the parents as well.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest daughter participated in the local Pre-K program for two years. She really enjoyed it and is doing very well in kindergarten this year. Parent involvement is key in the success of a student. It was very hard for my husband and I to always be there in the classroom. What was nice was the teacher understood and gave us opportunities to be involved other ways, like bringing in supplies or materials they needed. I think parents need to know there are many different ways to be involved in their child’s classroom without always going into the class.
ReplyDeleteEngaging parents is very important. If parents are involved in the program then the child will be better successful in school. I am a one year old teacher and I try to always involve my parents in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for such fantastic responses to my post. I always enjoy hearing ways in which other programs involve families in their classrooms. I also appreciate hearing the viewpoint of a parent. I do not have children yet, and value the opinion of my colleagues who already have children and are able to understand what it's like to be a teacher, as well as a parent.
ReplyDelete