NAEYC Standard Two

​

BUILDING FAMILY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS

I understand that successful early childhood education depends upon partnerships with children’s families and communities. I know about, understand, and value the importance and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities. They use this understanding to create respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families and to involve all families in their children’s development and learning.

​

Key Elements:

2a. Knowing about and understanding diverse family and community characteristics

2b. Supporting and engaging families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships

2c. Involving families and communities in their children’s development and learning

​

Artifact- Family Scenarios

​

As an educator, it is important to be knowledgeable and have a strong understanding about the diversity of families and communities characteristics. When working in with children it is important to support not only the child in the classroom but the family as a whole.  Often times this means support the parents and the communities they live in.  Welcoming families into the classrooms.  Allowing families to participate in sharing their background both from theirs personally and from their communities.  As a teacher it is important to understand and be knowledgeable about the diversity of the families and communities I server. I must respect the uniqueness of each individual child by understanding that they are all different. As a teacher I must make every effort to educate families on how to support their children at home by showing them how to help their child. I need to make sure I am treating each parent with the respect they deserve.  If I am working in an economically poor community I need to make sure I am helping, have resources, and most importantly respect them at all times. I need to plan, prepare and implement activities that welcomes both the families and community into the classroom or center

​

​

Artifact-Service Learning Project

​

As an educator it is important to support and engage families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships. I choose this artifact because it shows the importance’s as educators to create an environment that is inclusive while meeting the needs of the exceptional child.  Observing children’s practical, day-to-day working environment gave me better understanding of the community partnerships that are formed with community organization come into the establishment to work with the children. Creating family relationships is extremely important to me, but I also believe that it is imperative to keep in mind that it is not always possible to build these relationships. Key Element 2b is supported in this artifact because both the parent and two teachers were in the classroom observation site while the children were being evaluated and/or receiving theory. The parent and the teachers over the course of time built a non-verbal relationship revolving around the child. I learned that any conversation regarding the child’s change in behaviors was done before or after the sessions. Inclusive classroom is a general education classroom in which students with and without disabilities learn together.  It is very important as a teacher to understand that all children/students learn differently.

​

​

Artifact-Parent Survey 

​

​

Key Element 2c involving families and communities in their children’s development and learning was demonstrated through the parent surveys/questioner that was given to the parents. The survey evaluated the key areas of quality early childhood professional practices. Those practices were outlined by the Council for Professional Recombination. The parents could rate the teacher on a scale of 1-3. 1 needing improvement, 2 capable/c competent or 3 being very capable. Those surveys were handed back to the teacher I a sealed envelope to be given to the CDA Instructor upon arrival at the next class.  

I chose this artifact because it directly links the families and community to the direct quality of care and professionalize of their child.  The changes that will be made as a direct influence of those surveys can be significant to the family and community.  Surveys are a great tool to get the understanding from other’s point of view where and which changes need to be made.  Providing a safe, clean environment for my child teaches her/him how to stay safe is on top of the list of importance when surveyors evaluate the teacher and/or the program Teachers should be establishing positive, responsive and cooperative relationships with myself and the members of our family.

​

​

​

​