The
stories are great because they allow individuals to get a better understanding about
the significance of Head Start programs. Each person story was personal and the
program fit into their personal life style. My professional perspective is that
whether you’re a grandparent, mom, dad, or special needs child, most families
want a program that will help them to achieve the success for their child. In
addition, involvement opportunity for parents and extended family show children
they are cared for and loved. It also gives family members an opportunity to
feel as if they are part of a learning community that has an interest in their
children future.
Stories
like these can help policy makers understand that parents in every community
have the same values and are motivated to provide the best services for their
children. For example, in certain
communities the stereotype is that some fathers do not take an active interest
in their children lives, but stories with the fathers clearly show this not
always the case. It goes without saying that an active family/parent can make all the
difference in the world when raising children. In my opinion all strands of
early childhood such as standards, funding, professional development, assistive
technology, family involvement, quality assurance, and
research should keep families in mind when discussing and planning early
childhood education. Without families direct involvement many quality programs would cease to exist.
I agree with your statement that the stories show that parents and children in every community have the same values and beliefs when it comes to providing their children with the best education possible. We sometimes take for granted how important family involvement is to not only the children, but to us as educations, and the field as a whole.
ReplyDeleteGeorgiana,
ReplyDeleteI agree that stories like these help people to understand the importance of family involvement. It can help policy makers and educators to create strategies to encourage more commmunity and family involvement in early childhood education.
It is difficult to overcome the stereotypes that some communities are viewed by. Head Start programs are working to eliminate these by giving families opportunities to be involved and work for their children. When policy makers see the efforts made, and the benefits for the children, they are more likely to increase funding and write good policy that supports these programs.
ReplyDeleteHeather
Georgiana,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that without family involvement a lot of programs would not exist. One of the things I love about Head Start is that they welcome all family members who are willing to be a part of the child's learning experience and they recognize how importance of family involvement.
Thanks for sharing.