Module 4 Hints for Activities

Activity 4.1a: Describe the dilemma

Think about what the teacher is concerned about. Think about what the father is concerned about.

Activity 4.2a: Turn the dilemma into an answerable question

In working with families of young children in early care and education programs (P), are partnership-oriented practices (I) effective in promoting trusting family-professional partnerships (O)?

Activity 4.3a: Reflect on your partnerships with professionals

Responses will be personal reflections (no hint provided).

Activity 4.4a: Identify video examples of developing an initial friendly relationship (beginning ground)

Part A – What did Clara say and do to start building a relationship with the mother?

Part B – View Handout 4.3: Partnership-Oriented Practices: Observation Checklist – Answer Key, Part 1.

Activity 4.5a: Identify video examples of making shared decisions (middle ground)

View Handout 4.3: Partnership-Oriented Practices: Observation Checklist – Answer Key, Part 2.

Activity 4.6a: Identify video examples of addressing challenging issues (firm ground)

View Handout 4.3: Partnership-Oriented Practices: Observation Checklist – Answer Key, Part 3.

Activity 4.7a: Incorporate additional partnership-oriented practices

1. 1. Think about how Maggie could incorporate practices relating to high expectations, equality, or advocacy into her conversation with Latesha. Your answer should mention what Maggie might say to Latesha.
   2. Think about how Maggie could incorporate practices relating to high expectations, respect, or advocacy into her conversation with Latesha. Your answer should mention what Maggie might say to Latesha.
   3. Think about how Maggie could incorporate practices relating to enhanced communication, high expectations, respect, or commitment into her conversation with Latesha. Your answer should mention what Maggie might say to Latesha.

Activity 4.8a: Apply the research to practice

1. 1. See the first section on Handout 4.4: Research Summary on Family-Centered Helpgiving Practices.
   2. Think about who implemented the practices and about the settings in which the practices were implemented in the studies summarized on Handout 4.4 (second section on the handout). Your answer should mention ways in which the settings and people who implemented helpgiving practices were similar to or different from China and her program.
   3. Think about the characteristics of the children and families who participated in the studies summarized on Handout 4.4 (third section on the handout). Your answer should mention ways in which the children and families were similar to or different from little Aaron and his family.
   4. How does Dr. Harry recommend professionals can earn families’ trust? What does Dr. Harry recommend in terms of families’ views and opinions? What does Dr. Harry say about listening to families?

Activity 4.9a: Consider the policy on family-professional partnerships

1. 1. See Family Partnerships section under Head Start Program Procedure Requirements on Handout 4.5: Policy Advisory: The Law Governing Family-Professional Partnerships.
   2. See the chart on pages 2-5 of Handout 4.5.
   3. Your answer should mention resources for Aaron, as well as ways in which Aaron has a right to participate in the process of little Aaron’s education.

Activity 4.10a: Consider experience-based knowledge

1. 1. Encourage hope; allow families to express their perspectives.
   2. Highlight children’s strengths; view the child as a whole with the special need as only one aspect of the child; increase your comfort in talking with parents and don’t take parents’ expressions of strong emotion as personal criticisms of you.
   3. Listen to parents before giving advice; put yourself in the parents’ shoes; strive to collaborate with parents.
   4. Guide and support parents to be advocates for their children; understand that parents have many responsibilities; respect family diversity and decisions that may differ from yours.
   5. Understand that parents may see you as an expert and encourage parents to make suggestions, too; always involve parents in making decisions about their children.

Activity 4.11a: Consider the unique contexts

1. 1. Your answer should mention the type of program, and China’s attitudes and beliefs (what is she thinking about Aaron and little Aaron?).
   2. Your answer should mention Aaron’s strengths as well as his needs and preferences (what is he thinking about the program and China?).
   3. Personal reflection.

Activity 4.12a: Use evidence-based practice decision-making

1. Listen to families, try to understand their perspectives, tell families their views are important and help families advocate for their children.
   1. See the Bottomline on Handout 4.4: Research Summary on Family-Centered Helpgiving Practices.
   2. What do the Head Start Performance Standards and IDEA say about involving families, especially relating to making decisions about their children?
2. Your answer should mention program characteristics and China’s attitudes and beliefs.
3. Although China speaks to Aaron, she has not yet had conversations with him to get to know what is important to him and to learn more about his family story. What phase of building a trusting partnership best describes their current relationship?
4. The research is somewhat relevant to the program and family context. National policies emphasize collaborating with families and involving families in decision-making about their children. Respected experts emphasize listening to families, trying to understand their perspectives, and involving families in decisions about their children. Given the weight of the evidence and the current phase of China and Aaron’s partnership, a recommendation could be for China to […].

Activity 4.13a: Create an implementation plan to develop a trusting partnership with Aaron

1. 1. See the Beginning ground column on Handout 4.1: Partnership-Oriented Practices: Examples and Applications.
   2. See the Middle ground column on Handout 4.1
   3. See the Firm ground column on Handout 4.1