Sandy Johnson

Standard #2 Standard #2 has helped me learn the complexes of building Family and Community relationships. Not only does it help me make the connection it supports the whole child and the de elopmental learning experiences through culture! background! dynamics! family and community in ol ement and respect. Se eral years ago " learned in the #$% &'' (arent #ducation course ways to connect my students! families and community. )y doing so! " ha e a *)ack to School Night+ for my preschool class within two weeks of the start of school. $uring this time! " pro ide each family with a folder that includes se eral forms relating to the program and classroom. i.e!, daily schedule! unit topics! class list! on and off-site resources and other important literature that may help with a smooth transition. .he most important piece is the */ll about 0e+ sheet! that includes a blank sheet of paper for the student to draw a picture of his or herself and the family to complete se eral 1uestions together. " ask for the sheets to be returned within a week. /fter collecting and re iewing all the */ll about 0#+ sheet! it pro ides me with general feedback and information that " can include in each students day to day learning experience. " also lea e a blank space for 1uestions! concerns or feedback from the students and families. .his form is ery aluable to me as an educator. " place this form within the student2s personal file for the remainder of the year. "t also gi es me support in how " manage my classroom i.e, culture e ents! items to ha e a ailable within the learning centers and strengths and weaknesses the students may ha e. *)ack to School Night+ and meeting all the many wonderful families that we ser e has always been ery important and rewarding as an educator. "t is a time that allows families and me to make a general connection first hand. .his night also gi es the families opportunity to see firsthand what a typical day is like for their child. Families can ask 1uestions! share ideas! sign-up as classroom olunteers! isit each learning center and etc. "2 e also found ha e and appreciate the fact that each family has a uni1ueness that brings a lifelong of learning within the community itself. "t has been rewarding o er the years to see how families come together in building the most rewarding learning en ironment for the de elopmentally growth of young children.