Module 3

I have been talking with my host teachers and also the family advocate for that classroom.  They have been working hard preparing for a family fun day happening tomorrow.  They sent out invitations to each of the parents inviting them to come join in on the fun from 9-3.  They are providing a lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs off the grill for the students, staff and parents.  They printed off certificates showing recognition to each child for the length of time they have completed at Head Start.  The parents also got certificates to show their appreciation for being involved and to promote further involvement in the future.  The teachers and the advocate have been asking each parent if they are going to be attending.  They talk constantly about how important it is for parent involvement.  The advocate told me that it is very hard to get some of the parents to come help out because they feel it does no good. 

As a child I always remember my mom being a room mother and bringing in treats and helping when we did holiday parties and such.  I can't imaging being in school and your parents not wanting to come and be a part of it when they can.  The sad thing with this particular site is that parents are rarely willing to get involved.  They are providing food and games because sadly enough there has to be a better incentive to participate than just being their for their child. 

Module 2 Post

I have been working with an infant room where the ages range from six weeks to 3 years.  The dental clinic here at Head Start has been going full swing.  I was talking with the family advocate of the room I'm observing and she let me know how important the dental clinic has been.  One little boy had to have an emergency examination because his front two teeth have bottle rot in them.  They told the mother that his two front teeth have to be extracted immediately.  The little boy is only two and it was a good thing that the dental clinic was there because his mother wasn't even brushing his teeth because it was so painful for him. That service is so important because the mother probably would have never taken him to a dentist.  And since she wasn't brushing them his other teeth could have ended up in a terrible condition also.  I also spoke with one of the social emotional therapists that comes to the classroom.  He was telling me about the success stories he has had in his work.  There is a little boy in the room I'm observing and he has made great progress since he started in December.  I still need to meet with someone or go to the WIC office to get some information about them and their services.  I also have met with the site manager of Head Start to get some information on the history of Head Start and their mission statement.