For
this observation, I decided to observed Ms L., one of the infant and toddler
teachers at my place of employment. I
choose to observe her, because she interactions with families on a daily basis.
Unlike my third grade host teacher; who normally communicates with the families
via phone or during parent teacher conferences.
Throughout
the week, during drop off time, I observed Ms L., discussing everything from developmental goals, to eating and sleeping
patterns. During one of my visit, I spoke with her in detail about advocacy and
the strategies that she use when working with families. She uses many of the strategies
that were listed by Kieff (2009), such as having an open door policy, ongoing
assessments, parent conferences, respective and supportive relationships with
families, as well as a clear understanding that children are supported in the
context of family, culture, community, and society.
I
observed Mrs. L. talking with a family about their son's speech and language
development. The family was following up with her after a recent conference in
which she expressed concerns about their child's language. The parents were in
disagreement as to whether the child should be screened for speech and language
delays. The father wanted the screening done, just to be safe, but the mother
felt the child was fine. I was very impressed with the way Mrs. L. handled the
situation. She did not take sides with either parent. She listened attentively to
their concerns and then she presenting them with documentation on what she has
observed since their recent conference. She also provided them with information
on how to enhance language development as well as strategies that she has tried
in the classroom. Before the end of their meeting, she gave the family
information for a screening at early interventions and offered to provide
assistance when they were ready.
What
I learned from this experience is that teachers cannot successful educate and
care for children without the support of the family, and since children spend
most of their awakening hours with the teacher, families need teachers to
communicate with them, regarding their child's development and any significant
observations that are made throughout the day.
It
was also evident that Ms L. had
developed a supportive relationship with the family and they felt comfortable
discussion this difficult issue with her. Throughout this observation, I was
reminded of how important it is for educators to develop a partnership with
families. When we create positive relationships with families, it makes it
easier to communicate and work with the family if and when a problem arises
that impacts their child's development.
References
Kieff,
J. (2009). Informed advocacy in early childhood care and education.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Vertina,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as Ms. L. is on top of the situation. She is doing everything correctly when interacting with the families to help build and maintain a line of communication between them and herself. Teachers cannot be successful in educating and caring for children without the support of the family. Even though many times we spend more time with their children than they do they still are the authorities on their child. Teachers must be supportive of the family decisions regardless if we agree with them or not.
I believe that Ms. L. handled the situation of the child needing to be screened for speech. It is not up to her if the child is to receive services but up to the parents. If they choose not to get services the teacher then needs to provide them with all the information and support that is necessary to help the child and at the same time not be critical of their decision. Sometimes it is a very difficult situation to be in.
For you topic of advocacy,making a difference in the lives of children and families, how do you plan to implement it? It seems to me that it will be very difficult to implement. Good luck!
Hi Kathy,
DeleteI actually changed my topic to "Improving Quality Care in early childhood settings. I plan to implement this by following certain indicators and quality standards that are important to young children and their families. Improving quality is an ongoing process, but I will start by improving relationships with families and empowering them to advocate for their children. I will also create a classroom environment, in which children will group and develop the necessary skills for later success in school. As a teacher, I will make sure that I am providing developmentally appropriate curriculum, experiences, and practices that are based on the individual needs of children and families.
Vertina, working as a childcare professional enables me to interact with children, their families, co-workers and sometimes childcare specialists. It is important to maintain open and honest communication with all those involved at your center and to establish comfortable relationships with the families, co-workers and specialists you are dealing with.
ReplyDeleteThere is a great importance to build positive relationships in childcare but where do you begin? By collaborating and establishing positive relationships with families, this will enable you to gain parent trust and respect as you interact with their child. Parents will feel comfortable in talking to you about any issues and concerns they may have about their child and accept your professional opinion. Another important factor to remember when building relationships with families is that they will actively participate in any events or experiences in your center and become more involved in the programming and planning.
I believe that it is very important for me to be have an open communication with parents about their children's developmental needs. Parents have a right to know what is happening with their child so if you have any behavioral issues or concerns with a child, talk to their parents. At times, it may seem like parents don't take the time to communicate with us. However it's our responsibility to build up the lines of communication. This can include: newsletters, personalized notes, child communication books, questionnaires, surveys, suggestion boxes etc.
I agree that teachers must develop a partnership with their parents or the child's care givers. Developing a relationship builds trust and allows parents to be part of their child's education.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a great experience. I find that it happens often that parents don't want their children to be screened or referred for evaluations. I agree that the teacher did a great job of handling the indifference with the parents, "The parents were in disagreement as to whether the child should be screened for speech and language delays. The father wanted the screening done, just to be safe, but the mother felt the child was fine." I have also had parents at my center that were disagreeing about a referral and the teacher was taking sides. I found that it was unprofessional, and she could have handled it differently.I agree that we need to form partnerships with parents, and be on the same page.
ReplyDeleteVerina- I would like to thank you for your kind responses to my blog and also discussion post. You always had something to add, and gave me insights that really helped guide my research, and my thoughts through out the course. At one point, I was feeling nervous, and I felt like I wasn't going to be able to complete my research or the very very long research paper, but you gave me some good ideas and also resources that helped me with completing my research. Thank you very much, and I wish you the best of luck in the future, you sound like the type of person that can accomplish anything, and overcome almost anything.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tracy, you encouraged me from day one. I remember when we first started the class. I was struggling with getting everything done. Trying to balance doctor appointments, homework and observations. This was a great class. I think it provided a glimpse of what we will be going through when we finish school. This class showed me we need each other.
DeleteVertina,
ReplyDeleteIt has been a great quarter getting to know you and watching you grow. Good luck in 455 and implementing your Advocacy Plan.