School, Family & The Community
Rachelle Vargas
March 17, 2014
Period of Development
Today we will look at the Early Childhood:
2-6 years
Developmental Milestones:
“The body becomes longer and learner, motor skills are refined,
and children become more self-controlled and self-sufficient.
Make-believe play blossoms, supporting every aspect of
psychological development. Thought and language expand at an
astounding pace, a sense of morality become evident, and
children establish ties with peers” (Berk, 2013). This is a very
important milestone in a child’s life.
Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System
How important are these levels?
What is my role as a child
development professional?
As a Child Development professional I believe every child is capable
and eager to learn. By providing a nurturing, enriching and safe
environment for a child to learn in is vital to a child’s development.
I believe children learn through developmentally appropriate,
“hands-on” activities that nurture children through their learning. Through
preschool, family engagement, and community partnership to help foster
the love of learning children can excel in their knowledge. By providing
caring teachers, family support, and an environment conducive to learning
a child can reach their potential in the emotional, social, physical, and
cognitive areas of development.
I believe children learn best when their parents are involved in their
education. The primary bridge between the home and community is the
involvement of family and community. Together with parents, teachers
and the community we can help children develop to their highest
potential.
How can we sustain partnerships with
families and the community?
Lets look at the Epstein's Framework of
Six Types of Involvement
Type 1: Parenting
What does this look like?
As parents we need to be involved in our child’s school, we need to
talk with our children about their day, we need to read to our child
every night, take classes on parenting and get involved in school
functions. We need to show our child how important they are!
“The parent–child relationship refers to the emotional and physical
connection between a parent and his or her child; it includes attributes
such as emotional cohesion (closeness), parental influence on the child’s
development, attachment, and parental investment in the child’s well
being “ (Lutz, Anderson, Riesch, Pridham, & Becker, 2009, Turner & Welch,
2012).
*Some ways schools can help support the family: Provide free and low cost
parent workshops for families. Give out flyers of upcoming events in
the community.
Type 2: Communicating
What does this look like?
Parents need to know their child’s teacher and the school that they are
involved in. Make sure you go to family functions at school such as Open
House, and Back to School Night. Get involved any way you can.
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“Decades of research show that when parents are involved students have
Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates
Better school attendance
Increased motivation, better self-esteem
Lower rates of suspension
Decreased use of drugs and alcohol
Fewer instances of violent behavior “(Michigan Dept. of Education, 2002).
*Schools can help by having parent conferences and show parents where
their child is developing. A monthly newsletter is another great
communication tool to use.
Type 3: Volunteering
What does this look like?
Parents make sure you know that you can volunteer in your child’s classroom in many ways. One
way is asking teacher what you can do or bring that can help them. Being involved and
helping teacher is important for you, your child, and teacher.
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“When parents come to school regularly, it reinforces the view in the child's mind
that school and home are connected and that school is an integral part of the
whole family’s life” (Michigan Dept. of Education, 2002).
*Schools can help by encouraging family involvement and provide different times for
parents to come and volunteer. Also having parents help get things for the
classroom such as paper, Kleenex and other small things helps families feel that
they can get involved if they have to work full time.
Type 4: Learning At Home
What does this look like?
Children learn at home as well as at school. Make sure you take time to talk and
participate in family activities. Eat together at the dinner time, set goals as a
family, and provide a quite place for child to do their homework.
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“Parents, who read to their children, have books available, take trips, guide TV
watching and provide stimulating experiences contribute to student achievement”
(Michigan Dept. of Education, 2002).
* Schools can help by involving families and the child in important curriculum related
decisions. Providing monthly calendars of homework to make it easy for parents to
keep track of their child’s homework.
Type 5: Decision Making
What does this look like?
PTA involvement is a great way to get connected with the
school and feel part of the community. Parents should have
a collaboration in their child’s education.
• “Lack of parental involvement is the biggest problem facing
public schools” (Michigan Dept. of Education, 2002
*Schools can help by having Parent Advisory Committee
meetings three times a year to help provide valuable input
from their families.
Type 6: Collaborating with
Community
What does this look like?
Parents can become involved with their community by going to their
city Health Fair, local library, plays, and cultural events.
• “Research and field work show that parent-school-partnerships
improve schools, strengthen families, build community support, and
increase student achievement and success” (Van Roekel, D., 2008).
*Schools can help by providing valuable resources to parents. Some
Orange County family resources include: The Friendly Center, Help
Me Grow, Pretend City, Family Support Network, Alta Med Health
Services, WIC and Science Center.
References
• Berk, L. E. (2013).Child development. (9th ed.). Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
• Michigan Department of Education. What Research
Says About Parent Involvement in Education in Relation
to Academic Achievement. March 2002.
• Turner, P. & Welch, J. (2012). Parenting in
Contemporary Society. (5th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson.
• Van Roekel, D. (2008). Parent, Family, Community
Involvement in Education. Retrieved from
http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/PB11_ParentInvolve
ment08.pdf