Sunday, March 23, 2014
Parent, Family, and Community Engagement
I had the opportunity this week to watch some parent stories in relation to Head Start programs and what they did for their families. The first video I viewed was an interview with father Zachary James, he had eight children go through the Head Start program. Not only was the program beneficial for his children but it also inspired Zachary to go back to school to get his GED. Before he had gotten his diploma, he was unable to read a children's book to his own kids. Mr. James' story was definitely inspirational for me to work harder to improve the family engagement at my center. Professionals in the field often only focus on the benefits family engagement has on the kids, but we do not realize how wonderful it is for the parents and families also. This father went on to finish the education he stopped and now as he said, has higher expectations and standards for his own children and values the importance of swallowing one's pride and ask for help if needed.
Another mom, Eva, expressed how Head Start taught her to make every moment a teachable moment when she is with her son. They play games like peek-a-boo, but use letters to fuel the game. Like Mr. James, Head Start helped Eva prepare for her GED and now she is getting ready to start her CDA so she is better prepared to be a "teacher" for her children.
Involvement opportunities also give parents the chance to see what your program is all about. Parents can see it is more than just child care, their children are growing, learning, and developing into productive members of society. Parents may also become motivated to continue their education so that they can be better parents and role models for their children.
Resource
Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (2010). National Head Start Association 37th Annual Parent Conference. Retrieved from http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/hs/about/stories/pfs.
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3 comments:
Amber,
I also really like Zachary's story on how he preserved to get his GED that is so great. Eva also shared the teachable moment that we as professionals experience from time to time with children but it is special when parents get it. I love the fact that she is achieving her CDA to become a teacher in the program. Great parent involvement stories!
Hi Amber,
I had also read Zachary's story and I agree that he was determined to get his education. Not all parents who are illiterate care enough about themselves or their children to rectify the situation and learn how to read and write. I also appreciated Zachary's dedication to himself as well as his family. Not only did he engage in self improvement but he also made sure that his children reached their highest potential in all they set out to do. I believe that he was a good role model to his family and a good role model to those who know him personally. I could relate to some of the advice that he gave to his children, and that was to ask questions when you have any. I feel that it is important to not be afraid to let others be aware of the fact that sometimes you might have some questions that need answers. In my opinion that is one of our learning tools. Rather than be puffed up with pride or be too embarrassed to reveal that you do not know some of the answers, ask for help. If you don't want to be ignorant then learn all that you can. Many times the first step in learning is asking questions.
Amber,
Stories like the ones we had the privilege to view this week are truly the reasons why I choose to remain in this field. People in our position can't afford to stay down for too long because the longer we are down, the more children and families we miss. Missing families fail to grant us success stories like the ones we shared this week.
Annie P.
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