I have been observing in a Head Start classroom throughout this course. This Head Start program serves families that are low income and they provide transportation for all children. I have observed that it can be somewhat difficult to get a hold of some of the families, let alone interact with them. It makes it difficult when they do not have to drop their child off or pick them up. It is nearing the end of the school year and all the teachers have to do end of the year home visits and conferences with the children's families. Some of the teachers are really struggling to make contact with some families.
I was, however, able to talk to a few parents that were participating in some of the classroom activities this week. I asked them if they participated in classroom activities often and what prevents them from participating other times. One of the parents is a regular visitor of the classroom and the other two do not visit too often. The parent who is a regular visitor told me that she does not work so the least she can do is come and help out in the classroom. The other two said that they have other children at home which prevents them from visiting more. I also asked them if they feel that they have a good relationship with the teachers in the classroom and they all said they did. One said that she feels very welcome in the classroom and feels that she can talk to the teachers about anything that she is concerned with.
I also talked to the parent coordinator for the program and she informed me of all of the activities she coordinates for the families of the program. They hold monthly meetings for the parents to learn different things regarding early childhood education. She also said that they invite parents to join the policy council which helps to make decisions regarding the program and different policies they have. She said that joining the policy council is a great way to be involved in their child's education and to let their voices be heard. The parent coordinator also sends home activities for the families and children to do together. I think that it is wonderful to have someone in the program that is solely dedicated to connecting families to their children's education and program.
Hi LuAnne,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great opportunity having parents participate in the classrooms at school, this way they can see everything that goes on and will know how to help their child grow for success.
This is a good way to let the parents know that they should interaction with their children. How often do they spend time with kids out of school? This is the only way to make sure that they interact with other teachers and peers very well. It also let's them know how well that they succeed in their work and understands the importance of being a responsible parent to their children.
ReplyDeleteI like that you were able to ask the parent a question as well as get a positive response without getting upset. A lot of parents are on the run from the time they arrive to drop the child off until the time they come to pick the child up. They are always in a hurry. I was glad to hear that one of the parents stated she do not work and that gives her time to volunteer. Parent Involvement is important. It's a reflection in the way the children engage in and around others. I also like that the director is providing meaningful opportunities for the families to engage and taking part in the program/policies.
ReplyDeleteI am also a Head Start teacher and I know what you go through when you try to get in contact with your students’ families. I am very happy that your families feel welcome, even when they do not visit the classroom often. You have found a way to connect with families. It is very important to use those moments when you see the parents to connect with them and to establish a relationship. I am a teacher, but I am also a mom, and when I visit my daughter’s preschool classroom I feel really happy when I see my daughter ‘s pictures on the bulletin board. That makes me feel welcome!
ReplyDeleteHi Luanne.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that in a program set up like this, there is a great need for a person whose sole responsibility is to establish parental communication and assist parents in becoming involved in the classroom. Parental involvement is a key factor is student success at school. Beginning in Head Start is a great time to show parents just how vital their involvement is.
I am so surprised Head Start does not have a 12 mos. program. What do the families do over the summer? I truly feel that Head Start was set-up to give underprivileged children experiences and education they need to 'catch up' to their peers. Summer would be a great time to give experiences such as having children go on field trips, museums, libraries etc.
ReplyDelete