Blog 4 / Family Interaction

For this module my observations and interactions were mainly focused on the children and their families.  On November 18, 2011 Round Lake Preschool had a Parent Day Involvement before we went on Thanksgiving break it was a success. I had the opportunity to observe families and their children play and participate together. This helped me further understand were the parents where coming from. In this special Ed classroom there is a child name Hunter (using a different names) he is diagnose with hearing impaired, he uses a hearing headband to help him hear in the classroom and at home.  When his mother arrived to parent involvement she was very happy and ready to help her child and participate in any activity she was able to assist. Her exact words, “I love when the school does these types of activities” Mrs. Hunter (Hunters Mom again different name) says, she enjoys these type of activities this helps her understand more the program  of special ed and allows her to ask questions to the teachers about play. I also explained to her the importance play is for her child. We enjoyed our conversation. New insights I learned from Mrs. Hunters point of view, is that parents appreciate the resources the teachers provide about Special Education, she also says building relationships with your children’s teacher is very important. She said she is very pleased with Hunters teachers and therapists because they are working hard to help Hunter succeed and they try to communicate with her as much as possible.

                In another case, it was the opposite with Mrs. Perez (change name) for her it is difficult because she is a non English speaker and it is harder for her to communicate with the team and teachers.  She told me she is always in need of someone to provide the help she needs sometimes she does not have that options and it makes thinks harder. For example, she mentioned a conference date they had and no one was available to translate, she said, it was the hardest thing ever. The next day she asked her niece to call the teacher and set a date when they can meet again to do the conference but this time with her niece to help her understand. As an advocate for families who have children in special needs it’s very important to meet the parent’s needs, because they need to know their child education.  I also was able to observe Mrs. Perez play with her child; she was more interested in starting conversations with other parents than playing with her son. I knew this parent need it a lot of redirection, she is a great parent because she wants to learn and set goals for her son. Mrs. Walker said that she tried to get involved in all the activities as much as she can. I am an advocate for families and one of my topic led to the conversation me and Mrs. Walker were having, I said the school need it more parent involvement days and more resources for the parents in the school. She completely agreed with what I was saying to her. Mrs. Walker is an awesome teacher she tries to do what’s best for the children and always strikes for the best. I’ve learn so much throughout my observations and interactions in the special education field.