Hello all!
The subtopic that I decided to focus on during my Research
Simulation for the duration of the course is the following: How building
relationships with family members can positively affect a child’s life. I chose
this topic because I believe that it is extremely important to have open
communication with family members when working within an educational setting. I
want to find out ways to handle situations when family members place their
involvement in their child’s schooling as a last priority on their list of
importance.
Throughout my research thus far, I have learned that it is
important to take into consideration the demands of parents/guardians time and
the expectations that are held to a parent in our society. I have also learned
that teachers/leaders in the educational field should not expect family members
to know how to be involved/judge a family if they are not involved. It is
important that we as educators focus on the families strengths and look at the
family communication in a new light.
I just received my first position in management in the early
childhood field. I am going to be an Assistant Director in a day care center. I
would like to ask my fellow colleagues a question – can you give me any advice
on what to do in building relationships with families as a new leader in the
center? Also, do you have an advice on how to deal with difficult parents/guardians?
Any advice at all to give a beginner related to building rapport with family
members within a center? Any information/advice is very much appreciated!
First up Congratulations on the Assistant Director job!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely - working with families is a great part of our job. I no longer work at a center (i resigned so i could do double classes in this program)...I developed friendships with several of my families. Hmmm.. as for advice I wish I my admin were more transparent in their decisions. i hated all the secrecy and rumors. As for building with families - I would just say be open to learning and asking questions. and be yourself. that sounds chessey but i mean if you have to be fake with families they'll see right through it.
Congrats on the new job, I have applied for a position of Head Start Disabilities/Mental Health Specialist, keep your fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteI appears we are thinking on the same lines, my topic is Getting Parents Involved. Hopefully we can bounce ideas off each other. I have been a Head Start teacher for three years now and it never gets any easier trying to get parents involved.
Catherine
Congratulations on your new position, I wish you the best of luck. I suggest that if you want to build relationships with your families you have to let them know who you are and you have to truly listen without judgment as no one likes to be judged. Be open, honest, reliable, and sincere.
ReplyDeleteLuci
Thank you all very much!
ReplyDeleteAlso, the information that you shared with me will be very helpful in the start to my new position! :)