module 3

This week I am doing my field work at Johnson County Head Start. I am really enjoying my time there. The center director, Mrs. Waters, enlightened me on how she could promote advocacy in head start and the community. Waters stated that she and her staff have partnership meetings with local hospital boards and health consultants. She also said that she informs these partnerships about head start’s agenda. This information is published in newspapers and fundraisers. Waters stated that she obtains more information about promote advocacy and community interaction by searching the web. In order to make a difference in head start Waters stated that she wishes the community will stop looking at head start as a low-income daycare center; and realize that it is the foundation of starting a child’s future.

I interviewed the teachers Lewis and Johnson this week. Their classroom consisted of three and four year olds. Most of the children were very independent. I was surprised at the parents who came in to help with their children’s activities. Lewis stated that the children whose parents volunteer are more advanced and well behaved than the other four year olds. On Thursday the children had field day at Johnson County Primary School. There were so many parents there I could not believe my eyes. We had so much fun at the field day outing.

There were not any challenges this week; only insights on parent involvement. Johnson had prepared Mother’s and Father’s Day activities for this week. Some parents came in to assist in the activities. Lewis stated that she was amazed at how her parents had started participating. I had a wonderful time interacting with the parents and the children. I asked some parents who they feel about head start. They all had the same opinion; they felt that it teaches their child/children the fundamentals to be on task for kindergarten. I also asked them what they like about volunteering at head start. They stated the curriculum, which is based on Curriculum Gold. I could tell that the teachers and the parents had a good relationship. How many parents are familiar with the term “Curriculum Gold”?

Posted 1 week ago by LaTonia Brantley

This week I am doing my field work at Johnson County Head Start. I am really enjoying my time there. The center director, Mrs. Waters, enlightened me on how she could promote advocacy in head start and the community. Waters stated that she and her staff have partnership meetings with local hospital boards and health consultants. She also said that she informs these partnerships about head start’s agenda. This information is published in newspapers and fundraisers. Waters stated that she obtains more information about promote advocacy and community interaction by searching the web. In order to make a difference in head start Waters stated that she wishes the community will stop looking at head start as a low-income daycare center; and realize that it is the foundation of starting a child’s future.

I interviewed the teachers Lewis and Johnson this week. Their classroom consisted of three and four year olds. Most of the children were very independent. I was surprised at the parents who came in to help with their children’s activities. Lewis stated that the children whose parents volunteer are more advanced and well behaved than the other four year olds. On Thursday the children had field day at Johnson County Primary School. There were so many parents there I could not believe my eyes. We had so much fun at the field day outing.

There were not any challenges this week; only insights on parent involvement. Johnson had prepared Mother’s and Father’s Day activities for this week. Some parents came in to assist in the activities. Lewis stated that she was amazed at how her parents had started participating. I had a wonderful time interacting with the parents and the children. I asked some parents who they feel about head start. They all had the same opinion; they felt that it teaches their child/children the fundamentals to be on task for kindergarten. I also asked them what they like about volunteering at head start. They stated the curriculum, which is based on Curriculum Gold. I could tell that the teachers and the parents had a good relationship. How many parents are familiar with the term “Curriculum Gold”?

Posted 1 week ago by LaTonia Brantley

Module 2 "Family/Parent Involvement In Preschool

I interacted with a parent and teachers during these two weeks. Ms. M had a parent to volunteer every day this week. The parent helps with a small group activity. The activity was counting out teddy bears and matching them with the number on the mat. The children clapped their hands when they counted out the correct quantity. The parent told the children to “kiss their brains”, which the children did and they were smiling while doing so.

When time permitted, I asked the parent, “Why do you volunteer?” She stated that her daughter tells her, “mommy I want you to come and see how smart I am.” And she wants her child to be an overachiever so she will give it her all. I was very pleased to hear such a positive remark.

This parent also told me that she was the on the committee at school; and she encourages parents to come out and volunteer with their children. I asked her, “What are some of the challenges with volunteering in the school and the community.” She replied getting parents to attend meetings and the school. She stated that they always say the gas is too high; but, she constantly see them riding when she is out.

The insights that I obtained was that one person can make a difference in a child’s life. But if the other parents did the same, “what our future generation will do for us.

Interview Professionals in Early Childhood-mo1

Hello Everyone,
I am focusing my research paper on Head Start Readiness. While interviewing Ms. C and Mrs. M, they stated to me that changing the Curriculum every year is something that should be addressed; as well as literacy, accommodations, and parent involvement are the main issues in Head Start. They both stated that with since the Curriculum is changing they have to revamp their lesson plans to meet the requirements of the state and the needs of their students.
Both educators agreed that literacy and language should be labeled as the same; however, their Curriculum or Continuum Gold booklet has broken each area down. Now the students (ages 4-5) will have to write to convey meaning. I thought that students learn that in Kindergarten. Education is expanding with time.
Accommodations for disabled children another concern of these educators. They stated that they do not have the proper equipments to educate some disabled children. They also stated that the funds are short; and the main office does not have the money to meet these needs. They also stated that they sometime purchase activities to meet the needs of all children. Is this fair. I feel that when an educator wants her students to learn; he or she will go the extra mile for success.
Parent Involvement is something that they encourage parents to do by interacting in the classrooms; helping the students with their homework, and attending parenthood meeting to voice their opinions about their child's progress. The parents also attend Policy Council meetings every month to express what they feel the Curriculum should be based on, so that the children will have obtained the knowledge they need for Kindergarten.
The only issues the encountered among the colleagues are implementing work that is to advanced or not advanced enough; and knowing how to collaborate with the parents.
During my observation I discovered that some parents are very young and will not voice their opinions or concerns about their children. I overheard on stating that, "It is the teachers' job to teach my child everything." Why would a parent not want to have a say so in his or her child's future?

Hi Amy,
I just wanted to see if I am doing this right.

My 1st blog

I did it with Professor Sisie's assistance. She was wonderful!!