F AMILY, F RIEND AND N EIGHBOR MYTH BUSTERS: Engaging Families in Early Learning F AMILY, F RIEND AND N EIGHBOR MYTH BUSTERS: Engaging Families in Early Learning WERA P-3 Symposium | March 3, 2015

WELCOME Lisa Conley, Child Care Resources Tam Nguyen, White Center Community Development Association Maria Quiroga, White Center Community Development Association Paula Steinke, Child Care Resources

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Myths about Family, Friend and Neighbor care … BUSTED Principles and approaches you can use right away

PAIR SHARE Who took care of you when you were a young child (in your first five years)?

“Family, Friend and Neighbor care is a new name for the most ancient and widely practiced form of child care.” Betty Emarita Development and Training Resources, Minnesota

MYTH 1 Family, Friend and Neighbor caregivers see themselves as child care providers.

“Talk, play, sing, spend time, involve them, park time are very important for the kids.” “I did not know that we have to empty the bag from school and TV will not teach the kids.”

“We learned the very good things about habits, rules and regulation which we do not have in our house.” “We thought that kids do not understand feelings but it is false.”

“I let him help in the kitchen, before I was afraid he would get hurt or in the way, now I know it’s a place to learn together.”

“I've changed the way we read books. I pay more attention to when she talks.” “I have learned how to play with children. I enjoy playing with my granddaughter and learn how she develops.”

MYTH 2 Family, Friend and Neighbor care is none of our business.

WHERE ARE CHILDREN, BIRTH TO AGE 5? 76%

“Used by families that are rural and urban, and across all income levels, and racial and ethnic groups, family, friend and neighbor care offers a remarkable opportunity to develop a shared vision for family friendly policies that support early education.” Betty Emarita Development and Training Resources, MN

MYTH 3 Parents and Family, Friend and Neighbor caregivers don’t want to be engaged in children’s education.

How well have you prepared the children in your care to be ready to learn? Come to this important School Readiness Training to find out! Pine Tree High School gymnasium Wednesday March 2 3:30 pm-5:30 pm  Free for FFN Providers  Adults only  Sponsored by Pine Tree School District PLC and Pine Tree Elementary School PTA

HOW IS A YOUNG CHILD’S TIME SPENT?

EFFECTIVE FAMILY ENGAGEMENT PRACTICES  Meet families where they are – literally and figuratively  Commit to being culturally responsive  Commit to strength-based approaches  Be transparent about your agenda  Support parents and caregivers as a children’s first teachers  Involve the entire family  Honor the characteristics of the adult learner  Deliver information through relationships, peer education, mentoring, dialogue, and experiential learning – gradually, over time  Listen, learn, and adapt  Develop relationships and collaborations with all stakeholders

PROTECTIVE FACTORS FRAMEWORK

MYTH 4 There aren’t effective programs, models or approaches to reach Family, Friend and Neighbor caregivers.

WHAT YOU LEARNED What myths did this session bust for you?