Module Four Blog Post

Whom you observed and interacted with in your setting during this module

              I observed and interacted with many people this module. I was able to observe some parent teacher conferences as well as go to a family night at the center. I also observed in classrooms serving children birth through age five and attended a field trip to see Sesame Street Live with the classes. I love how active the teachers and children are in this center. There are lesson plans that follow Creative Curriculum on the walls, and the teachers are conducting observations and collecting work samples for portfolios daily. During the parent teacher conferences the Preschool teachers showed each parent work samples, as well as the Illinois Early Learning Standard that went along with the sample. They also discussed concerns with families and set goals for each child.

•Any special learning experiences you may have had or an experience that provided you with insight about children and families including advocacy efforts.

                I attended an Amity Family Cooking Night and I also met with the Parent Coordinator about her Parents as Teachers (PAT) program. The family night was really fun! There were numerous healthy cooking activities that the children got to put together with their families. As the families were working on the cooking project the Parent Coordinator was discussing the simple recipes as well as how inexpensive they were to promote healthy eating choices. Upon meeting with the Parent Coordinator, I learned that the PAT program offers families a chance to get together with her and do a fun learning activity. She also works to help families receive assistance if necessary, and picks families to be adopted by companies to receive help with presents and food for the holidays. I thought this was a great example of advocating for the well-being of the families in our community.

               

• At least two insights gained from your observations of, and interactions and experiences with, children’s families regarding advocacy efforts and needs related to your area of interest within the field of early childhood

                I was excited to see how many families participate in the programs offered by the center. There were eight families that attended the cooking night, and at least five parents who attended the Sesame Street Live field trip. This is a center whose mission includes serving low income families, and it is impressive to see families coming together to be there and spend positive time doing activities with their children.

                Advocacy efforts noted during these observations were the work of the Parent Coordinator advocating for families as well as the teachers advocating for a proper education for the children by hosting parent teacher conferences and setting goals with families. I felt that this center really focuses on advocating not only for the children but the betterment of the family as well and that is such an important aspect.