The Necessity of Parent and Community Cooperation and Collaboration in Essay

The Necessity of Parent and Community Cooperation and Collaboration in Early Childhood - Essay Example In order to understand this issue and address it effectively, it is vital to answer the following questions: a) how do differences of alteration in society and families have an impact on children and early childhood programs? b) Why are parent/family and community involvement essential in early childhood programs? c) What are the benefits that accrue to parental and community involvement in early childhood programs? And finally, d) How can early childhood professionals encourage and support programs for involving families and communities? In the event that the above questions are addressed in the most appropriate manner; then we can be able to understand how important it is to engage both the parents and the community in early childhood programs.To begin, it is essential to note that parental or community involvement should not only be limited financing or volunteering to the schooling programs of the children. As a matter of fact, the legislation extends the right of parents and com munity to be involved in the daily running of the school programs through continued support and participation in the school’s governing structures ((Powell, 2009). As much as this partnership creates a framework for formal parent involvement, however, the home-school partnership should not be restricted to this. For instance, if we focus on the University of South Africa, they saw the need to introduce a Certificate of Parent Involvement in order to prepare teachers to implement effective school, family, community partnerships. ... As a matter of fact, legislation extends the right of parents and community to be involved in the daily running of the school programs through continued support and participation in the school’s governing structures ((Powell, 2009). As much as this partnership creates a framework for formal parent involvement, however, home-school partnership should not be restricted to this. For instance, if we focus on the University of South Africa, they saw the need to introduce a Certificate in Parent Involvement in order to prepare teachers to implement effective school, family, community partnerships. Changes in the society are also likely to influence the manner in which early childhood programs are governed. In this regard, it is vital to design the curriculum around the Epstein model of family and community and school partnerships (Epstein, 2005). This is because the early childhood field’s interest in parental involvement is based on various powerful ideas in regards to paren tal or communal responsibilities and influences. Indeed, early childhood programs aimed at shaping the relationship between parents, community and schools should actively support the parents to maximize program impact on children (Bredekamp, 2007). This is an idea that has been consistently bolstered by theories and scientific evidence that seeks to highlight on the lasting impact of families and communities on the development of the child. Parents have also been acquainted with the understanding and the apprehension of program goals and curriculum that seeks to promote the healthy child development. This is usually done through parenting education strategies. Secondly,