Instructor Tracy Reed May 26 th , 2014 Period of Development Early Childhood Ages 2-7 Lincoln Elementary School in Gilbert, AZ At this point parenting style influences childs psychosocial development (MacFarlane & Nierman) Also known as the Preoperational Stage in the stages defined by Theorist Jean Piaget Children during this stage show a dramatic increase in representational activity, as reflected in language, make-believe play, drawing, understanding of symbol- real world relations, and categorization (Berk, 2013, Pg 248). My Role as a Child Development Professional Being able to understand and accommodate children from all cultures, English Language Learners, children from low poverty homes, etc Ability of assess children while they play and learn to give the best data regarding their development or possible needs for intervention or further evaluation Encourage childrens play but not controlling it Assist children in resolving conflicts with their peers in a constructive manner Understanding the limitations that children have physically, emotionally, and mentally during this stage Rationale The purpose of this presentation is to explain my role as a child development professional in regards to working with the children and their families as well as with the community. I will also explain the purpose of these relationships as it relates to the influences of your childrens learning and development The Mesosystem Theorist Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917-2005) developed the Ecological Systems Theory which explains the effects of different relationships on a childs development.
The 2 nd level is The Mesosystem which are relationships at home, in school, the neighborhood, and child care centers. Epsteins Types of Involvement: Parenting This type of involvement refers to helping families establish good home environments to support children as students How does this type of involvement influences a childs learning and development? This type of involvement improves childrens attendance, makes the children more aware of how important education is, and helps create positive personal qualities, habits, beliefs, and values, as taught by family (Epstein).
One idea the school or community could implement right away that aligns with the cultures represented at the school. Since this school has a strong sense of community and family I would recommend starting an after school program that all children can participate in that helps children build relationships through games and learning
Epsteins Types of Involvement: Communicating This type of involvement relates to the communication between the school and home regarding programs available to students and the childrens progress How does this type of involvement influences a childs learning and development? This ensures that parents are on the same page with the teachers in regards to the students progress in school and if any intervention or further assessment may be needed communication is essential. Also, if translators are needed during parent teacher meetings or if parents do not read well then nonverbal communications need to be adjusted to ensure parents are able to understand the information being sent One idea the school or community could implement right away that aligns with the cultures represented at the school. This school should implement reading material in multiple languages to address the families who do not speak/read English well or at all. Also, they should have translators for parent teacher conferences to ensure parents are able to understand the information being given to them in regards to their childs progress.
Epsteins Types of Involvement: Volunteering This involves relates to recruiting and organizing parents as volunteers How does this type of involvement influences a childs learning and development? When parents are involved in their childrens learning it helps children to understand the importance of learning and it builds stronger relationships with their parents
One idea the school or community could implement right away that aligns with the cultures represented at the school. Make flexible schedules and events to ensure that more parents are able to volunteer and participate in the events.
Epsteins Types of Involvement: Learning at Home This involvement is providing parents with information on how to help their children at home with homework, activities, decisions, and planning How does this type of involvement influences a childs learning and development? This helps prepare parents on how to helps their children with homework and projects by giving them ideas. This influences children positively because they are receiving the support they need from their parents and helps students complete homework and also builds a stronger relationship with their parents. One idea the school or community could implement right away that aligns with the cultures represented at the school. Throw different events that display some assignments and work that is done in the classroom. Also, have students who created the work discuss their work with anyone who views their work. This will give parents some ideas and show them what children this age are capable of doing.
Epsteins Types of Involvement: Decision Making This type of involvement is to make parents a part of the decision making when it comes to their childrens learning How does this type of involvement influences a childs learning and development? When a parent feels more involved in their childs learning then they are better equipped at helping their child at home with homework and any projects. This type of involvement with their children helps build stronger relationships among children and their parents. One idea the school or community could implement right away that aligns with the cultures represented at the school. Mail home flyers and throw parent/teacher conferences to discuss the desire for parents to give ideas, input, concerns, etc in regards to their childs learning
Epsteins Types of Involvement: Collaborating with Community This type of involvement is used to use resources and services from the community to improve school programs and family practices How does this type of involvement influences a childs learning and development? When the community works together to improve childrens learning and programs then children are more likely to get the best possible experiences in regards to learning than if their was no community interest. One idea the school or community could implement right away that aligns with the cultures represented at the school. Throw fundraisers within the community with volunteers to help in order to raise money for students arts and crafts, field trips, new uniforms, after school programs, etc.
Resources: Berk, L. E. (2013).Child development. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Epstein, J. (n.d.). Epstein's framework of six types of involvement. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/lac/Joyce_L._Epstein_s_Frame work_of_Six_Types_of_Involvement(2).pdf MacFarlane, M., & Nierman, M. (2014). Life Span Development. Annenberg Learner. Retrieved from http://www.learner.org/series/discoveringpsychology/ development/2_6.html 5/26/14