When I reflect on some of the readings, my experiences, and my educational philosophy, communication and family involvement is one of the most important aspects of early childhood education. In our integrated preschool program we offer multiple home visits throughout the school year, weekly notes home, a private Facebook group, an open door policy to allow families to visit throughout the year, culmination events with families upon finishing a project, a meet and greet night, and we welcome emails or conference calls as needed throughout the year. We inform families from the beginning of the year of the importance of communication between school and home, and how the home visits are a huge component in bridging the gap.
I have been teaching for 5 years and one thing I have learned is how family involvement varies from school to school and even from each grade level. No matter what the policy is for family involvement I belief the more the better. In previous districts where I taught we had a daily note, 2 conferences a year, and an unpack your backpack night. The on going communication was limited and I felt like it was very one sided; I did the "talking" and the families just listened. Family involvement goes beyond communication but in order to develop and strengthen that involvement families need to feel comfortable with communication and collaboration with me/the school and visa versa. Giving families multiple ways to communicate and be involved is a great way to meet the varying needs of families and to give multiple opportunities.
The opportunities I listed above will continue to grow as our preschool program expands. Another addition to increase involvement will occur this coming school year. My co-teacher, Michaela Martens, and I will be creating a family library with articles, books, and other resources on varying topics like toilet training, English language learners, non verbal communication, science in every day life, behavior, social skills, etc.. We are excited to see the way this resource library expands involvement and communication over the course of the year!
I have been teaching for 5 years and one thing I have learned is how family involvement varies from school to school and even from each grade level. No matter what the policy is for family involvement I belief the more the better. In previous districts where I taught we had a daily note, 2 conferences a year, and an unpack your backpack night. The on going communication was limited and I felt like it was very one sided; I did the "talking" and the families just listened. Family involvement goes beyond communication but in order to develop and strengthen that involvement families need to feel comfortable with communication and collaboration with me/the school and visa versa. Giving families multiple ways to communicate and be involved is a great way to meet the varying needs of families and to give multiple opportunities.
The opportunities I listed above will continue to grow as our preschool program expands. Another addition to increase involvement will occur this coming school year. My co-teacher, Michaela Martens, and I will be creating a family library with articles, books, and other resources on varying topics like toilet training, English language learners, non verbal communication, science in every day life, behavior, social skills, etc.. We are excited to see the way this resource library expands involvement and communication over the course of the year!