Dr Alison Hooper CEE 492 Engaging Children and

Dr. Alison Hooper CEE 492: Engaging Children and Families in the Early Childhood Classroom

Overview of ELO/Course: � New course, required of Elem Ed/Early Childhood majors � Met at local elementary school � Goal: build professional knowledge related to advocacy and family engagement ELO: � Books, Balls, and Blocks event � Fill knowledge gaps related to child development � Engage with a diverse population � Share assessment results with families

Most Important Student Learning Outcomes based on ELO � Build knowledge of typical developmental milestones � Gain confidence and experience sharing screening and assessment results with families and making referrals � Build professional identity as an educator

How ELO has Assisted/ Will Assist Students in Developing Problem-Solving Skills � Students ran event with support from Help Me Grow staff � Guided and independent role play for sharing results � Examples: ◦ Before event: “I’ve been thinking…are you sure we’re qualified to do this? ” ◦ During event: wondering if a parent needed assistance reading the ASQ

Connections Between ELO and Assessment of Student Learning � Ability to accurately score and interpret ASQ � Active engagement in role play and at event � Use problem solving model to anticipate challenges and think about how to address them � Participate in in-class group and written reflection

Student Quote “I strongly believe I now have the ability to speak to parents and guardians easily when it comes to my future educator profession. I now have the ability to be calm and collected when a guardian does not agree with something when it comes to the development of their child. This can also be transformed to any interaction I have with a parent. ”

Student Quote “This event has taught me that not everything I do as a teacher will turn out as planned; however, it is how I respond and make the best out of every situation that is important. ”

Remaining Challenges & Ongoing Questions � Sustainability of ELO in future � Attendance at Books, Balls, and Blocks events � Facilitating rich reflection � Student concerns: ◦ Low attendance, few opportunities to interact with families ◦ Safety of neighborhoods where events were held ◦ Relevance for students who aren’t planning to go in to early childhood

Questions/Discussion