Family Description

The Hernandez family was who I chose to interview. Jesús and Geisa are in their
late 50s and are the primary caregivers of 5-year-old Jayden. This couple grew up
in their home country of Cuba and lived with their big families there. They then
moved to Miami, Florida in their early 20s and got married shortly after. Due to
Jesús’ mother falling sick, they moved up to Pennsylvania (with their two young
daughters) to take care of his mother and have stayed here since. Jayden is their
autistic grandson that was put in their care because of complications with his
mother being deemed unfit to parent. They are an honest, hospitable couple that
works hard to care for their grandson the best that they can! There are a number of
ways that this family differs from mine that are mentioned below.

Interview Questions
1. Could you walk me through what a typical day would look like for each member of your family
(including chores, daily routines, tasks, etc.)?

2. What are the characteristics that you think are needed to make a good parent/family member?

3. What are your child’s strengths and what is she/he most interested in?

4. How would you define success/personal wealth for your family?

5. What are some traditions and/or celebrations that are important to your family and why?

6. What are each family member’s favorite pastimes?

7. How would you describe your parenting style and why?

8. What are some of the biggest stresses your family is currently facing and do you see
them changing in the near future?

9. What are your family’s core values and how do these values fit or differ from those in
your family of origin?
Interview Reflection

● What are the similarities and differences between your family

and the family interviewed?

Similarities: Making an international move, “hard-work pays off” mentality, adults

married at a young age, and hospitality are all things that our families have in
common.
Differences: Family makeup, home culture, first language (Spanish), country of
origin, and the number of children in the house are some of the ways that this
family differs from mine.

● What did you learn from interviewing this family?

The moment that stuck with me the most was near the end of the interview when
I asked them what their core values were and how they differed from their
families of origin. Jesús answered with what was clearly a thoughtful response.
At first, it took me a second to really understand what he was trying to say
because of the slight language barrier but he explained that both he and his wife
had grown up from nothing and now have a better understanding of this world
than their families had. This was eye-opening for me to see the great
appreciation that they had for where they have gotten in life through hard work.
Also, through seeing the interactions they were having with Jayden, it looked
like a potentially tiring situation for two people who are nearing retirement. So
realizing the patience and energy that they are willing to give up to help their
bright grandson is very humbling.

● How could you use what you learned from the interview if this
family had a child in your classroom?

Being shown a glimpse into their home lives would be so helpful if Jayden was
in my class because it would allow me to see how he interacts with his family
and better understand the environment he is coming from each morning to
school. This could improve classroom interactions and maximize what Jayden
would be gaining from his school experience. Establishing a trusting
relationship with his caregivers would also be extremely respectful to them and
beneficial for future interactions. With his caregivers and I on the same side, this
would help reduce stress and boost his self-confidence.
Permissions Form
 COMMUNITY RESOURCE INFORMATION TABLE

Name/Contact Info Description of List of Services Rationale for this

Primary Function Choice

The center is filled I felt this would be a

The goal of this center is to provide with books, games great fit because
& puzzles; fidget Jayden likes to be
a comfortable, welcoming toys; stress balls; active and explore-
environment for autistic individuals weighted tactile this would be a safe
and their families. beanbags; inflatable outlet for him to do
pea pods; sensory so. This resource
Lancaster Public Library PDF: step-by-step press and stay could provide a
Autism Resource Center blocks; and a break for the adults
walkthrough (with pictures) of curved sensory were the time is still
visiting the center balance beam. being used
✆: 717-394-2651 There are also productively. The
✉: admin@lancasterpubliclibrary.org ARC-Preschool-Social-Storybook.pdf
games aimed to location is also easily
Location: teach different accessible to the
125 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602 skills, such as family.
conflict resolution
or social
communication.
 Every class is This resource’s zoom
This center aims to help prepare FREE and many option is very
can be either in convenient and
young children for school and to person or over would allow for
support their families by zoom. The class Gesia and Jesús to
providing as many resources, options are very safely further
outlets, and classes as possible. extensive. Some are Jayden’s education
Thrive to Five aimed to help the and to gain new
They promote healthy growth child, while others knowledge
Family Resource Center and development in all children are “adults only” to themselves that
through appropriate nutrition, offer tips and ideas. could positively
✆: 717-299-7301 screening & education. They are held at impact their learning
✉: bfrick@caplanc.org several different experiences with
Facebook link: times throughout Jayden. Also, Jayden
https://www.facebook.com/CAPLancasterCounty/ Files: Calendars for all of the the week to make could gain new skills
Location: programs/classes offered for this them accessible to and knowledge from
517 N Queen Street, Lancaster PA 17602 month. (Future months will be every schedule. one of his favorite
displayed clearly on the home The website is also pastimes-
dually written in electronics!
page of the website) both English and
Spanish.
thrive-to-five-february-class-calendar-2021_orig.jpg

thrive_to_five_february_activity_calendar.pdf

Ravelry is an inclusive, friendly Ravelry provides a Gesia mentioned at

website for knitters, crocheters, personal notebook one point in the
for artists to keep interview that Covid-
spinners, weavers, sewers, and track of their 19 has been a stressor
dyers. They are made up of projects, yarns & in her family’s life
millions of craft lovers from all fibers, tools, and right now. She also
over the world. pattern library. shared her love of
They have a rich mask making/sewing.
database of patterns This would allow for
and yarns, and a her to safely be apart
community with of a community
thousands of forums without stressing
Ravelry and groups to about her family’s
Website and database connect with other well-being. This
crafters over any could also be a
: https://www.ravelry.com/ interest. They also creative outlet to
provide ways you further her skills, take
can show off your time to relax, and
work and promote improve her mask-
your shop/business. making business.
 The YMCA is the leading The YMCA is an A Preschool
nonprofit committed to amazing resource Tumbling class
that offers classes, caught my eye
strengthening the community by for all levels and all because of how well
connecting all people to their interests. Here a just it would complement
potential, purpose, and each other. a few examples that Jayden as he is
They focus on empowering young would be applicable working on
people, improving health and for the family I coordination and
YMCA interviewed. A enjoys being active.
well-being, and inspiring action in
Nonprofit Organization Science Lab, Sports The description for
communities. Community Intro, and Soccer this class is:
development is another main goal Instructional all for “Incorporates the
✆: 717-393-9622 x1124 of this organization. preschoolers. These basic principles of
✉: madams@lancasterymca.org classes offer extra balance, strength,
Location(s): assistance to and flexibility to
800 Village Road Lancaster, PA 17602 children with develop skills.”
265 Harrisburg Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603 disabilities and you They also offer so
are also able to many discounts and
work with the staff membership plans
and arrange for a that cater to the
Spanish-speaking income of each
staff member to be family and are very
present for the simple to apply for.
class. Here is the link to
find the list:
https://ymcagbw.org/membership/waystosave#faq-
question-2035744874

Schreiber Pediatric is extremely Schreiber provides While many of the

proficient in working with
children that have special needs
and can adapt their programs to fit
Schreiber Pediatric a wide variety of needs a child
may have. They provide resources
Nonprofit Organization needed for all different challenges
Respite Care program so that families and children can
reach their vision and achieve
✆: 717-393-0425 or 717-393-0425 x158. their fullest potential.
✉: mailto:info@schreiberpediatric.org
: https://www.schreiberpediatric.org/
Location:
625 Community Way Lancaster, PA 17603
outpatient and in- previously mentioned
home pediatric services could be
therapy services for helpful, the Respite
children birth to age Care program seems to
compliment the needs
21. They also offer
of the interviewed
early education, family wonderfully!
preschool, and child The goal is to allow
care services, parents/caregivers to
recreation get a night off once in a
programs, summer while to relax and get a
camps, and moment to themselves.
This would be great as
specialized classes
both Gesia and Jesús
for parents. They
talked about the loving
also have a Respite patience required in
Care program that raising Jayden that
offers child care for must be tiring
only $10 an evening sometimes. This would
to children who give them a refreshing,
have special needs. worry-free outing.
Maybe even to one of
their dearly loved
coffee shops! (:
Field Placement Attendance Form
Follow-up Report
● How and why was the interview and follow-up valuable?
I think feel that this interview was beneficial to the family because it gave them a chance to
express their opinions, concerns, and interests in a safe, respectful environment. I gained a
whole new perspective on what a home visit could look like and also learned more about
community resources than I ever have. The family was also able to gain a few new
resources that could be used in the future.

● How could it have been improved?

Looking back at the video, I found some of my mannerisms and responses to be a little
awkward. This was coming from knowing the interview was being recorded. I hope to
improve in this area through practice and to be able to overcome these habits in the future!

● Describe the interaction and feedback from the family.

I thought that the overall response was very positive! The feedback was thoughtful and respectful. As
for the interactions, the beginning of the interview started out a little slow but I think as everyone
became more comfortable, the conversation turned more in-depth and personal. There were many
apologies on and off camera for Jayden’s input into the video but I tried to reassure them that it was no
problem at all.

● Reflect on the experience of collaborating with them, and discussing

the resources with them.
I greatly enjoyed getting to know this family better and seeing a glimpse into their lives. I struggled with
sifting through all the different resources that are available in Lancaster but, over time, it became less
difficult and more interesting. I was excited to discuss the resources and curious hear their opinions on
them because it was essentially the reward after taking the time to find the ones that fit their family.
For the future, I will be using the communication and research skill I learned through this assignment to
form trusting, give-and-take relationship with my future student’s families.