Blog 4

Blog 4 450 Velma Meek

For the past 2 weeks I continued to observe family support, in this center the family support staff plays many roles to help the center run smoothly.  On the day I observed they held a workshop on literacy I observed family support Ms. Ridgeway, give vital information in regards to how important literacy is for children beginning with infancy.  She passed out information to the parents on how to incorporate literacy throughout the day, singing, reading, talking.  I asked the question why is this workshops so important? She responded by saying many parents don't realize 20 minutes can make a big difference in a child's vocabulary, talking and reading to them is vital to expanding their vocabulary as well as building relationships. 

In observing Ms. Ridgeway I learned from her that we have to listen to our parents when we are talking to them.  As professionals we need to find out what concerns are important to them in order for them to build a strong connection with their children.  Ms. Ridgeway explained the reason she did the workshop is because parents wanted to know how they could build their child's vocabulary and awareness of books, and if they was too young to start.

My first insight is that in order to be an advocate you have to know what the need is you want advocate for, and to find out what the need is you must communicate.

The second insight is that through observation you can learn a lot about people.  While observing Ms. Ridgeway I learned that she has a good relation with the parents that is in the center.  I have seen them come in and get job information, school resources for themselves and children who is moving to kindergarten.  That says something about her relationships with her families.

Observing and Interacting With Program Director(s) and Other administrative Staff in Your Setting

For 2 weeks I observed and interacted with the director Ms. Kelly of the Children Center.  I didn't have any challenges but I did have some insight regarding being an Advocate for Continuity Care.  Ms. Kelly stated that she feel that Continuity Care would be an access in the center, she believes it will help build trusting relationships between parents and caregivers. 
Ms. Kelly believe in order to be effective with quality care trust has to be the foundation for any relationship. I asked how would she relate the information to the professionals that work at the center?  Ms. Kelly stated in order to ensure teachers connect with the idea of Continuity Care she would interview each teacher and find out what they know about Continuity of Care, and if they have people skills, if not they should then be enrolled in workshops that will help them enhance their knowledge of building relationships, as well as be informed on the importance of continuity care.
She then said it would be vital to network with the community, and other centers that have experience in this area.  Ms. Kelly said she would like the center to make a difference in the community by laying a positive foundation for all children, being a safe haven so they can grow and be nourished knowing their needs will be met.