Running head; FAMILY SCENARIO PROJECT

Family Scenario Project

Kim Wilson
Ivy Tech Community College

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The Sullivan Family

In this particular scenario, I am a prekindergarten teacher. Brian is a student of mine
whom recently turned five years of age. His behavior has recently changed and is having issues
such as; difficulty keeping his hands to himself, sitting still, completing activities, and paying
attention for the time in which I am teaching. Brians mother is a single mother whom also is
experiencing the same behavioral concerns as me, in the home.
First and foremost my first decision in how to handle this behavior that is causing me,
Brian, and other classmates problems is to communicate effectively with Brians mother. Open
communication can reduce tension, and begin us all on a healthy journey of respect and
appreciation for one another. As Brians teacher, I want to work alongside, Mrs. Sullivan, in
areas of how we both can help Brian and address his needs so that he can receive the most from
my class, and future classes. I would first have a conference with Mrs. Sullivan and discuss
Brians behavior in terms of how he is reacting and behaving in class. I would share Brians
profile, and discuss the times in which I notice his attention spans are troublesome, and address
any areas of concern with language or memory. We would also discuss his strengths and
weaknesses as well as work on possible strategies that might work at home or both home and
school.
Considering Ms. Sullivan is a single mother, I would also opt for some insight to their life
at home. Becoming personable and asking about their environment, stress and emotions and
offering encouragement from a female perspective. I would also enjoy sharing ongoing problem
solving techniques that we can work together at; such as calling her or using social networking
and what is best for her. I want us to form a relationship that fosters positive communication and

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ongoing steps to help Brian (Example of mesosystem). I would also propose a pamphlet of
ADHD. This pamphlet would provide information on this topic such as; symptoms of this which
include; getting distracted easily and forgetting things often, inability to sit still for certain
amounts of time, switching activities quickly, and having difficulty with directions. I would
recommend that she and I discuss how she feels about this, and discussing professionals in the
area that are highly recommended.
Needs
Ms. Sullivan- Ms. Sullivan is a single mother. This particular scenario does not give insight to
whether other children are in the home, if she struggles with work or the father is a part of the
family in a positive way or negative way. What we do know is that Ms. Sullivan is also
experiencing the same behaviors at home with Brian. The need here is helping her identify, and
understanding Brians behavior and how we can help him establish a routine that enables
everyone to understand techniques and strategies that will allow the family to have a sense of
satisfaction in his learning. Ms. Sullivan needs to do some research on her own, possibly join
some chat groups of single mothers, and seek any counseling services that might offer her some
advice in parenting as a single mother. Ms. Sullivan needs a definite support group, possibly
relatives or friends; people she can consider understanding of Brians behavior and offer her
some advice or if nothing else just a place to vent. Depending upon her decision to take Brian to
see a medical professional for our concerns, and if a diagnosis such as ADHD is given, this will
open up a new list of needs that will need addressed. More than anything she will need to
becomes educated on this diagnosis and how she can help Brian and herself to ensure they both
are receiving the information and understanding how she can help them both.

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Brian
Brian needs to have people whom are educated about these problems he is experiencing. My first
indication is that Brian has all the symptoms of ADHD. Not knowing if this condition will be
diagnosed, I will make the assumption that Brian has ADHD. In this case, Brian needs structure
and consistency. It is best if he has a predictable routine every day. This can start with specific
times such as meals, homework and bath time. He needs external structure to ensure he is staying
on task. He needs to have people in his life that are educated in this diagnosis and do not set
unrealistic expectations such as sitting still through an entire movie! His instructions should be
simple and clear, and setting consequences that are appropriate. Brian could use support from
peers, family and the community.
Exosystem
Keeping ecosystem in mind, Brian can be easily be impacted by simple everyday things
that he is not necessary involved with. For instance, Brians mother might struggle with
something that happened at work, in this event if she is upset, it can impact his mood and
behavior. If I as the teacher, am experiencing frustration and that is easily read this can impact
Brians day. Every single tiny aspect of the family is observed by everyone involved. This can
impact how Brian and Ms. Sullivan handle their stress and emotions. There is several things that
Ms. Sullivan and I can both do that can impact Brian is a positive way as well as Ms. Sullivan
outside of the home. Seeking assistance from other experienced parents, or professionals on the
matter of ADHD, as well as organizations, and possibly requesting some guidance from a
learning specialist or special education teacher would impact the family.
Macrosystems

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Macosystems can be extremely beneficial for this family. The Sullivan family and myself
can work together to achieve common goals and set expectations that are similar in both our
settings (classroom and at home). Keeping our expectations similar will help Brian to understand
what is expected; and is expected everywhere not just in one setting. The macrosystem, can help
hold this family together. The family can use their resources, the community, events, medical
professionals, friends etc. to continue their support and help guide and give them advice in their
choices in life. Depending on this families beliefs and cultural values, using their church for an
outreach could be an option. If this is not applicable, than possibly they can be referred to other
families that have children whom face ADHD. I, as a mother, whom has a child of ADHD can
be a part of this. I can lay a foundation of understanding that can put them on a path that will
help to educate and work with them through the struggles they might face.
Chronosystem
Chronosystem can affect a family on many levels. This particular scenario we note that
Ms. Sullivan is a single mother. We dont know how this has impacted her parenting, self,
finances, emotions and so forth. Her parenting styles will greatly affect Brian. He will have
morals, and beliefs that are built on his environment. This can change in time, as becomes older,
meets new people and becomes older. Stress is a big concern. Being a single parent alone can be
stressful, when a child becomes more difficult to understand this can cause anyone a different
amount of stress. Society can make positive impacts with not placing Brian in a category of
being different in a bad way. Society can also work at understanding ADHD and how they can
help a child in need or identify the concerns.

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The Sullivan family has shown strength with communication with the teacher. Ms.
Sullivan was open to conversing with the teacher and noting the same struggles she was
experiencing. This is an important strength simply because it means she is open and willing to
work on concerns. Keeping this in mind, forming a partnership is vital for Brian. Open
communication, setting goals, stargazing and working together will ensure he receives the best
care and education. Together parent and teacher can form a bond that fosters trust and honesty.
This will help Ms. Sullivan feel at ease when Brian is at school, and help the teacher knowing
they are on the same page for consistency, routines and structure.
Community Resources
Meridian Health Services
Meridian Health Services provides complete treatment services for East Central Indianas
children and their families at the Suzanne Gresham Center facility in Muncie. Services assist
children with emotional or psychological needs, foster care placement, addiction issues, and
other behavioral health needs. Gresham Center programs include family centered services,
intensive family preservation and reunification services, and school based services.
240 N. Tillotson Avenue
Muncie, IN 47304
Phone: 765.288.1928
Phone: 866.306.2647
Fax: 765.741.0359

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Many healthcare insurance plans pay for all or part of the services provided by Meridian Health
Services. Medicaid and Medicare are also accepted. The fee for each service that Meridian
Health Services provides is based solely on the cost of the service. We recognize that families
vary greatly in their ability to pay. If needed, payment arrangements can be made with our
business office.
There is a registration packet available for eligibility.
http://www.meridianhs.org/
YMCA
The Y is a powerful association of men, women, and children of all ages and from all walks of
life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community. Anchored
in more than 10,000 neighborhoods around the country, the Y has the long-standing relationships
and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. As a
leading nonprofit with a strong, meaningful brand, we must present ourselves consistently as a
unified cause with shared values and a common voice.
500 S Mulberry St.
Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 288.4448

Adult
Family
Husband/Wife

Joining Fee Muncie/Delaware Blackford County

$60
$38
$32
$90
$55
$48
$80
$46
$40

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Single Parent
Young Adult (18-23)
Youth (12-17)
Individual Tennis Option - add:
Family Tennis Option - add:

Hours: 5:30 am 8:00 pm

Youth Programs Menu

All Youth Programs

Basketball
Birthday Parties
Camp
Cheerleading
Climbing Wall
Martial Arts
Swim Lessons
Tennis
Volleyball
Wellness

Adult Programs Menu

All Adult Programs

Wellness
Basketball
Volleyball
Swim Lessons
Private Swim Lessons
CPR Training
Boot camp
Group Exercise
Tennis
Bible Study
Strength Training
Personal Training
Climbing Wall

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$80
$40
$25

$46
$32
$17
$18
$30

$40
$24
$15

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http://www.muncieymca.org/about-the-ymca/locations/
Kids Peace
309 S. Walnut Street
Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: 765-741-0154
Toll-Free: 1-888-781-8921
Fax: 765-741-0764
KidsPeace is a private charity dedicated to serving the behavioral and mental health needs of
children, families and communities.
KidsPeace has extensive experience working with private and public insurance and managed
care programs to treat a wide range of issues affecting youth.

KidsPeace addresses a wide range of issues requiring specialized care, including but not limited
to:
Adjudication cases
Adjustment disorder
Angry acting out
Aggression
Bipolar disorder
Borderline personality disorder
Conduct disorder
Co-Occurring disorders (psychiatric/substance abuse)
Defiance
Delinquency
Depression
Difficulties in interaction/bonding
Dissociative identity disorder
Dysfunctional behavior patterns
Impulse-control disorder

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Intermittent explosive disorder
Learning disabilities
Multiple psychiatric disorders
Oppositional behavior
Posttraumatic stress disorder
School phobia
School refusal
Severe attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Sexual abuse victims/perpetrators
Social/emotional maladjustment
Suicidal gesturing
Suicidal ideation
Truancy
Most DSM-IV diagnoses
http://www.kidspeace.org/Default.aspx
Open Door
333 S. Madison Street
Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 286-7000
Fax: (765) 213-2769
Email: info@opendoorhs.org
As an Open Door patient, youll have access not only to all of the medical and dental services
you need, but a lot of services that you never knew you wanted, including:
Health educators
Dieticians
Behavioral health professionals
Assistance applying for public programs, including Medicaid, food stamps, and TANF
Prescription assistance
Most Insurance companies accepted. Also sliding fee scale on those with no insurance.
Back to school fun and food giveaways also!

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Big Brothers Big Sisters

220 N. Walnut St.
Muncie, IN 47305
765.284.4141
info@bbbsmuncie.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters believes that every child has the ability to succeed and thrive in life if
given the support and opportunities to reach their full potential. Through professionally
developed and supported one-to-one mentoring relationships, we as an organization and you as a
community member can help play a transformative role in the lives of children and help change
the way children are growing up, supporting them in their development to become confident,
competent and caring adults.

A child must meet the following requirements:

Be between the ages of 6-14
Be a resident of Delaware County (in Indiana)
Children are eligible from any family situation, including two parent families, single parent
families, blended families, or from a family situation that lacks the supportive involvement of
both parents
Be willing to make a commitment of one year to the program
There is no cost to the parent.

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In conclusion, I feel that it is vital for families to have as many resources available.
Meridian services that I listed have a huge community population as they are involved and host
many events throughout the course of a year. Although Big Brothers Big Sisters had an
eligibility of six years old, I believe this is a great resource for this family. Single families have
an opportunity to work and participate with others in the community and it offers a lot of multi
culture mixing and for Brian would be great for some male involvement.

As a future teacher, I want to have resources available for families. Hardships happen as
well as emotional and behavioral concerns. Being active in a community opens doors for
everyone. Having these resources will help provide me as a teacher for outreach and also help
the families in the same way. We can work together, grow together and use these resources in
ways that help each other and the child. Showing a family you care, you listen and you want to
help will build a solid relationship that shows respect and gratitude.

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