Assignment:
You will begin a pilot research study to inform your philosophy and approach to family and community engagement as well as participate in the research process. A pilot study is similar to a "practice run" before conducting the actual study. Sometimes it helps the researcher decide if this is the topic he or she wants to pursue for further research. Often, the pilot study is used to test certain methodologies to be used in the larger, actual study. In the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program, you will most likely be conducting some kind of research in your Capstone course.
The assignments in the next three weeks will help you in the following ways:
- Inform you about family and community engagement that occurs from current early childhood professionals.
- Help you develop your final philosophy and approach statement for family and community engagement.
- Allow you to participate in action research (research that will directly impact practice or emerge from practice) and inquire about current or future issues of interest in your job.
Prepare for Written Assignment and Research
Visit, call, or send an email to the director or a staff member of the early childhood program you identified in the Week One discussion, "Defining Family and Community Engagement." Ask if you can visit the program and conduct an interview with the director or with another staff member the following week. Find an early childhood program that is willing to help you conduct the interview by the end of that week.
If visiting is not convenient for the director or yourself, ask if a phone or email interview would be possible. If you cannot reach anyone to conduct this interview, contact your instructor as soon as possible.
Writing the Assignment
Include the following sections in your written assignment. The assignment should be three to five pages, in addition to a separate title page and a separate reference page, and formatted in APA style. Format your writing as follows: MS Word, double-spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins all around. Proofread your paper before submitting it.
- Create a profile of yourself as an educator.
- Create your philosophy and approach to family and community engagement.
- Identify three questions you would like to ask during the interview with the director or staff person in the early childhood program.
Required Resources
Required Text
Scully P., Barbour, C., & Roberts-King, H. (2015). Families, schools, and communities: Building partnerships for educating children (6th ed.) [Electronic version].
- Viewing Family Diversity
- Understanding Roles and Experiences of Parents
Articles
1. Christian, L.G. (2006, January). Understanding families: Applying family systems theory to early childhood practice. Young Children on the Web.
- Focuses on finding common ground in family goals instead of on differences in appearance or practice.
2. Santora, L. (2012). How can you create a learning environment that respects diversity? Anti-defamation League.
- Gives explanation and ideas of how early childhood practitioners can create an inclusive learning environment that promotes healthy social identity.