CHS236 Unit 4 Discussion (dq1+dq2) Latest 2020 February

CHS236 Home, School and Community

Unit 4 Discussion

DQ1 Cultural Competence

Knowledge about family diversity, strengths, and structures is critical for teachers and human service providers serving families with young children.  Hopefully this course has helped you to gain new insights for understanding and supporting families.

Now, please read “In Hartford, A Call For 'Cultural Competence' In Schools” (Hartford Courant), and “Addressing Differences: How Can You Deal with Issues of Race, Class, and Culture?" ( Beyond the Bake Sale, Chapter 6), reflect on specific ways to ensure culturally competent practices with children and families.  Please react to the following questions:

What are educators and service providers’ ethical responsibilities?  (Recall the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.)

How might you use the checklist “How Well is Your School Bridging Racial, Class, and Cultural Differences?" (Beyond the Bake Sale, pages 146-149)

What additions might you make to the checklist to further ensure culturally competent practices?

Provide substantive comments to at least three classmates.

DQ2 Theory Application

1.  Review Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory (refer to course resources including Chapter readings, website article, and supplemental video).

Write a detailed description of each of the five bioecological systems.

2.  Review the NAEYC Early Childhood Program Accreditation Standards, Categories and Criteria.  The descriptions of the standards, categories and criteria are provided in the Couchenour & Chrisman textbook (see pages below) and the document:  NAEYC Early Learning Program Accreditation Standards and Assessment Items.

Standard 7. Families   -- Three Categories  (Pages 20-21, Figure 1-7)

7.A.  Knowing and Understanding the Program's Families

7.B.  Sharing Information between Staff and Families

7.C.  Nurturing Families as Advocates for Their Children

Standard 8. Community Relationships  --  Three Categories  (Pages 21-22, Figure 1-8)

8.A.  Linking with the Community

8.B.  Accessing Community Resources

8.C.  Acting as a Citizen in the Neighborhood and the Early Childhood Community

3. Think about the meaning of this theory for yourself.  

As a teacher, family service provider and/or a parent, describe one to two ways Bronfenbrenner’s theory has changed your perspective and/or practice.