The focus of this assignment is to develop a Family Education Initiative that can be implemented in the future. An emphasis on the recognition that collaborative partnerships between early childhood educators, students and families is an essential component of effective early childhood practice. Your goal should be to have this initiative carefully planned, with supporting materials developed, so that it is ready to go when needed in the future. You do not need to actually implement this initiative with families for this assignment.
Developing an understanding of the families with whom you are working is an essential initial step for this assignment. Create a description of the families with whom you work. Analyze the particular needs of these families, as well as goals for their children, to determine what types of services would be most beneficial. Narrow your analysis to one or two approaches that could most effectively meet identified needs. Develop a Needs Assessment that can be used for ensuring that the approach(s) you are considering is actually needed and/or desired by family members. This Needs Assessment may take different forms depending on factors including your previous work and/or relationships with these families, your knowledge of their preferred communication strategies, cultural or ethnic differences, availability of and/or access to technology or family members verbal and/or written language skills. Similarly, develop a culturally responsive Post Assessment that will provide you with feedback about the effectiveness of your initiative and suggestions for changes or modifications.
Develop a written rationale detailing why you chose this particular initiative. Strategize and outline specific steps for implementing the initiative. Determine strategies for most effectively putting your chosen initiative into action, thinking through any potential roadblocks. Focus on including varied strategies for building effective reciprocal relationships which will support and
empower families and the larger communities in which they live and work. Be aware of realities and challenges which might make families more or less likely to be able to benefit from participating. Ensuring that child care is available, snacks or a light meal are provided and/or transportation needs are supported are examples of issues that may need to be addressed. If your initiative involves face-to-face meetings, determine a convenient location that is both accessible and welcoming and choose a time that is convenient for participating families. Describe in detail the process you will utilize to implement your initiative, including ways to solicit ideas and feedback from families throughout the initiative. Be alert to and address any potential culturally related issues and/or challenges. Develop materials that will be needed to implement and carry out your initiative, including materials that may be sent home with families. Varied strategies for partnering and collaborating with surrounding communities are described.
Be sure that your completed assignment includes the following:
Remember, your goal is to come up with an initiative that is relevant, practical, and meets the needs of families you are currently working with or may be working with in the future.
Due Date 11:00 PM