FAMILY, FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR MYTH BUSTERS:

Engaging Families in Early Learning

WERA P-3 Symposium | March 3, 2015

WELCOME• Lisa Conley, Child Care Resources

• Tam Nguyen, White Center Community Development Association

• Maria Quiroga, White Center Community Development Association

• Paula Steinke, Child Care Resources

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Myths about Family, Friend and Neighbor care … BUSTED

• Principles and approaches you can use right away

PAIR SHARE

Who took care of you when you were a young child (in your first five years)?

“Family, Friend and Neighbor care is a new name for the most ancient and widely practiced form of child care.”

Betty EmaritaDevelopment and Training Resources, Minnesota

MYTH 1

Family, Friend and Neighbor caregivers see themselves as child care providers.

“Talk, play, sing, spend time, involve them, park time are very important for the kids.”

“I did not know that we have to empty the bag from school and TV will not teach the kids.”

“We learned the very good things about habits, rules and regulation which we do not have in our house.”

“We thought that kids do not understand feelings but it is false.”

“I let him help in the kitchen, before I was afraid he would get hurt or in the way, now I know it’s a place to learn together.”

“I've changed the way we read books. I pay more attention to when she talks.”

“I have learned how to play with children. I enjoy playing with my granddaughter and learn how she develops.”

MYTH 2

Family, Friend and Neighbor care is none of our business.

In licensed child care

and/or preschool

In the care of family,

friends and neighbors

24%

WHERE ARE CHILDREN, BIRTH TO AGE 5?

76%

“Used by families that are rural and urban, and across all income levels, and racial and ethnic groups, family, friend and neighbor care offers a remarkable opportunity to develop a shared vision for family friendly policies that support early education.”

Betty EmaritaDevelopment and Training Resources, MN

MYTH 3

Parents and Family, Friend and Neighbor caregivers don’t want to be engaged in children’s education.

How well have you prepared the children in your care to be ready to learn?

Come to this important School Readiness Training to find out!

Pine Tree High School gymnasiumWednesday March 2

3:30 pm-5:30 pm

Free for FFN Providers Adults only Sponsored by Pine Tree School District PLC

and Pine Tree Elementary School PTA

Sleeping:50%

Awake with a parent or caregiver:

49%

Awake at a weekly two-hour

Play & Learn group:1%

HOW IS A YOUNG CHILD’S TIME SPENT?

EFFECTIVE FAMILY ENGAGEMENT PRACTICES

Meet families where they are – literally and figuratively

Commit to being culturally responsive

Commit to strength-based approaches

Be transparent about your agenda

Support parents and caregivers as a children’s first teachers

Involve the entire family

Honor the characteristics of the adult learner

Deliver information through relationships, peer education, mentoring, dialogue, and experiential learning – gradually, over time

Listen, learn, and adapt

Develop relationships and collaborations with all stakeholders

PROTECTIVE FACTORS

FRAMEWORK

www.cssp.org

MYTH 4

There aren’t effective programs, models or approaches to reach Family, Friend and Neighbor caregivers.

WHAT YOU LEARNED

What myths did this session bust for you?