Parents, Please Read The Information Below; It Discusses Why

Parents Please Read The Informationbelow It Discusses Why Communityinv

Parents please read the information below it discusses why community involvement is important to you and your child. NAEYC (2009) explains: “The role of the community is to provide a physical, emotional, and cognitive environment conducive to that development and learning. The foundation for the community is consistent, positive, caring relationships between the adults and children, among children, among teachers, and between teachers and families.” We have to come together as a community to raise our children to do and be above and beyond their humble beginnings. As noted by NAEYC (2009): “Each member of the community is valued by the others. By observing and participating in the community, children learn about themselves and their world and also how to develop positive, constructive relationships with other people. … Children learn to respect and acknowledge differences of all kinds and to value each person.” Our goal as a community should be to lift each other up and make our differences our strengths; there is an old African proverb that says “it takes a whole village to raise a child” (Times of Zambia, 2010).

Our community is that village, and our responsibility is to educate our children despite learning disabilities, dysfunctional homes, and low income. We are here to provide community programs, shelters, and other support services needed.

Health & Safety Tips

• Create a safe environment
• Pay close attention to your child
• Store & lock up any hazards
• Prepare nourishing food
• Allow time for outdoor play
• Listen to your child
• Take notice of age-appropriate labels
• Brush their teeth regularly
• Keep small objects off the floor
• Child-proof your home
• Regular doctor visits
• Find the right programs for your child
• Form teacher–parent bonds
• Be engaged in your child’s life
• Make good meal choices
• Choose shelters with reservations only or approved locations
• Get updated information from your local center
• Enroll your child or children in local programs ASAP
• Know your neighborhood safe areas

Sample Project References: NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8. Retrieved from

Times of Zambia. (2010). Zambia: 'It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child'. Retrieved from

Introduction

Hello Families of the Chatham community, I am Mr. Josh, and I have created this helpful brochure to support you as a parent in providing the best education possible for your child regardless of your situation. As a pillar of this community, it is my obligation to ensure you have access to the right information, services, and resources available in your neighborhood.

Community Support Programs

Our Open Arms program offers developmentally appropriate services for children from birth to age 8. It is vital that your child has the opportunity to be in a healthy, quality learning environment; take advantage of Early Head Start and other programs that give lower-income families and their children a fighting chance. We also provide offsite sheltering facilities for families in need, helping you feel safe and secure as you work towards stability.

Community Involvement and Resources

The Chatham Community Childcare Center is here to support you—please don’t hesitate to ask for help. Engaging with community programs and services can significantly improve your child's development and provide necessary support during challenging times. Building relationships with local service providers, attending community events, and utilizing available resources are essential steps in strengthening family resilience and child well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, community involvement is fundamental to fostering an environment where children can thrive academically and socially. By working together—parents, educators, community leaders, and service providers—we create a nurturing, inclusive space that respects and celebrates diversity while promoting growth and learning for all children. Remember, as the proverb states, “it takes a whole village to raise a child,” and collective effort is key to building a brighter future for our children and our community.

References

• NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8. National Association for the Education of Young Children.
• Times of Zambia. (2010). Zambia: 'It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child'.
• Epstein, J. L. (2011). Building Family-School Partnerships in the Digital Age. The Journal of Educational Research, 104(5), 285-295.
• Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Harvard University Press.
• Weissbourd, R. (2010). The Parents We Mean to Be: How Well-Intentioned Adults Undermine Children's Moral and Emotional Development. Beacon Press.
• Christenson, S. L., & Sheridan, S. M. (2001). Schools and Families: Creating Essential Connections for Learning. Guilford Press.
• Resnick, M. (1998). Rethinking Learning in the Digital Age. Technical Report, MIT Media Lab.
• Henderson, A. T., & Mapp, K. L. (2002). A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement. Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.
• Garcia, E., & Weiss, E. (2017). The Role of Community Supports in Promoting Child Development. Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes.
• Owens, A., & Heston, R. (2013). Community Engagement and Child Development: Strategies for Success. Early Childhood Research & Practice.