Family & School Partnerships
Family School Partnerships is not just a day without school, it is a core foundation of Wake County Preschool Services.
Purpose...
To increase the child’s skill development, to help the child generalize skills related to the achievement of IEP goals between home and school, to build a partnership with families, and to foster parental involvement in their child’s lifelong learning.
Need...
Research has led early childhood professionals to believe that building partnerships with families (in ways that are most comfortable to families) is critical (Fox-Barnett, 1992; Meyer 1990; Wasik, 1990). By building partnerships with families, professionals:
1) enable staff to recognize the child as part of a dynamic family unit
2) respect the role of the family as the first and most important teacher of the child
3) increase the child’s self-esteem by showing him or her that they value the family
4) provide for continuity, coordination, and individualization in the child’s learning
5) provide families with information about their child’s growth and development
6) provide a supportive community for families
7) help families to use and develop other community resources
8) build a base of community knowledge and support for the program (Wesley, 2001)
Beliefs...
The home component is a vital aspect of Preschool Special Education Services and is reflective of the WCPSS mission and vision. As we expand and better define the home component of our preschool program, we continue to value our primary task of providing an appropriate Individualized Education Program and related services. The home component is not an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). It is also not just making a home visit. It is intended to be an opportunity for educators to share information and teaching techniques with families as well as to learn from families. A home component provides time for listening and partnership between educators and families. It also provides the family the oportunity to learn how to be involved in their child’s education within a school community. Care must be taken to remain professional and focused on the child’s education.
Purpose...
To increase the child’s skill development, to help the child generalize skills related to the achievement of IEP goals between home and school, to build a partnership with families, and to foster parental involvement in their child’s lifelong learning.
Need...
Research has led early childhood professionals to believe that building partnerships with families (in ways that are most comfortable to families) is critical (Fox-Barnett, 1992; Meyer 1990; Wasik, 1990). By building partnerships with families, professionals:
1) enable staff to recognize the child as part of a dynamic family unit
2) respect the role of the family as the first and most important teacher of the child
3) increase the child’s self-esteem by showing him or her that they value the family
4) provide for continuity, coordination, and individualization in the child’s learning
5) provide families with information about their child’s growth and development
6) provide a supportive community for families
7) help families to use and develop other community resources
8) build a base of community knowledge and support for the program (Wesley, 2001)
Beliefs...
The home component is a vital aspect of Preschool Special Education Services and is reflective of the WCPSS mission and vision. As we expand and better define the home component of our preschool program, we continue to value our primary task of providing an appropriate Individualized Education Program and related services. The home component is not an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). It is also not just making a home visit. It is intended to be an opportunity for educators to share information and teaching techniques with families as well as to learn from families. A home component provides time for listening and partnership between educators and families. It also provides the family the oportunity to learn how to be involved in their child’s education within a school community. Care must be taken to remain professional and focused on the child’s education.
Home Visits
At the beginning of the year, and then throughout the year on FSP Days, the teachers will go out to visit children in their homes. This gives parents and teachers the opporutnity to touch base, ask questions, and make sure that everyone is on the same page. It also gives the teachers an opportunity to connect one-on-one with each child in their most comfortable environment. Home visits also provide teachers with important information such as the names of siblings, pets, and favorite stuffed animals who are so important to the children.
Ms. Sarah Catherine will send home a schedule of home visits every other month. You should expect your child to have a visit at least twice a year.
Ms. Sarah Catherine will send home a schedule of home visits every other month. You should expect your child to have a visit at least twice a year.
Community Outings
The Root Preschool also takes field trips on FSP days with the families to different places in the community. This gives the teachers the opportunity to work with the children outside of their classrooms and homes. It also gives the families an opportunity to connect and experience fun and successful outings with their preschoolers.
Family Workshops
Family workshops will be held throughout the school year on various topics. Workshops are held in the preschool classroom and usually last about an hour.
Family workshops will be held throughout the school year on various topics. Workshops are held in the preschool classroom and usually last about an hour.