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Effective Communication with Families and Children Anne-Marie de Kort-Young NC Office of School Readiness Laura Riley Long Preschool, Concord. OSR/NCaeyc Pre-Conference – Greensboro, 2008. Diverse Backgrounds.
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Effective Communication with Families and ChildrenAnne-Marie de Kort-YoungNC Office of School ReadinessLaura RileyLong Preschool, Concord OSR/NCaeyc Pre-Conference – Greensboro, 2008
Diverse Backgrounds Many Preschool children in North Carolina come from different cultures, homes of poverty, or have disabilities
Session Objectives • Discuss the need to identify and value positive attributes of families and children • Explore strategies for developing strong family-school relationships • Incorporating principles of T. Berry Brazeleton’s Touchpoints Model in everyday practice
Positive Attributes • Identify our own beliefs • Explore meaning of differences in our work with children, families and colleagues • Impact of beliefs on our interactions
Touchpoints • Predictable bursts in development • Disorganization & regression • Potentially vulnerable periods for parent-child interaction • Opportunities for professionals to join with parents
“Touchpoints present major opportunities for communicating about the child’s temperament , the stage of development, and the special abilities or needs that help or hinder progress” Brazelton,2001
Guiding Principles for Everyday Practice • Look for strengths in children, parents and co-workers • Value the passion • Take time to build relationships
Working with Families is a Process • Cultivate the foundation by constantly: • Asking the family’s perspective, • Then sharing observations, • And then discussing how to proceed • Focus on the child’s behavior - use simple terms
Working with Families is a Process, continued... • Recognize what you bring to the interaction • Look for opportunities to provide support • Be willing to discuss matters that go beyond your traditional role… families will remember and appreciate it!
Opportunities for Building Relationships • Home visits - Open house • Assessment & Observation • Parent conference/IEP meeting • Ongoing communication • Team meetings
Practice Using the behavior as our language
Reflection Questions/Comments Evaluation For additional resources visit: www.osr.nc.gov