Fostering Connections

Caregivers and educators often serve as a “cultural bridge” between the childcare program and families.

Describe one strategy you can use to support your role as a “bridge” between home and the childcare setting. 

Identify how you can involve parents as you seek to gain additional understanding of their culture and values, specifically as it relates to your care for their child.

When working with diverse families, illustrate the importance of addressing the family’s strengths, not their weaknesses.

Please ensure the work is at least 250 words.

Required Reference

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010).  50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/image/public_policy/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf 

Other References

Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
 
Hearron, P. & Hildebrand, V. (2013). Guiding young children. (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson.

Intellecom. (n.d.). Does Daycare Impair Attachment? [Video file]. Retrieved from //searchcenter.intelecomonline.net/playClipEmbed.aspx?id=4870EEC7664070BBE995401AB5C129A1731B966DE69889583E5E069F544C52AE9CDB78D13081B50569FACD29CF870DFC&v=s

Intellecom. (n.d.). Social Development and Attachment [Video file]. Retrieved from http://searchcenter.intelecomonline.net/playClipEmbed.aspx?id=4870EEC7664070BBE995401AB5C129A130714000321B7F0177CA6C27A4D2096D87C0A07AED16C0E67232B1E24DED315B&v=s

Mackrain, M., Golani, B., & Cairone, K. (2009). DECA-I/T Parents Guide (For Now & Forever) [Pamphlet]. Lewisville, NC: Kaplan Early Learning Company.

NAEYC. (2011, May). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/image/public_policy/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf   

Rothbaum, F., Weisz, J., Pott, M., Miyake, K., & Morelli, G. (2000). American Psychologist: Deeper into attachment and culture. 55, 1093-1104.

Wang, W. & Leichtman, M.D. (2000). Same beginnings, different stories: A comparison of American and Chinese children's narratives. Child Development, 71, 1329 –1346.

Wittmer, D. (2011). Attachment: What works?. Retrieved from http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/briefs/wwb_24.pdf