The Impact of Community Collaboration on Child Development

Established in 1999 Needs assessment in Del Norte County proved validity for a need for an organization that served children and families Location is central and next to preschools, elementary schools, the high school and the community college

 The Family Resource Center is a collaborative effort that is supported by partners that maintain similar visions for the lives of children and their families.

The gap between the rich and the poor is getting exceedingly wider and agencies such as the Family Resource Center work in collaboration with the schools to try and overcome the social, economic and environmental barriers that hinder the learning of children with new strategies. The agency provides enrichment programs that may not be offered by the school, and if are available within the community elsewhere, not all families can afford or have the opportunities to participate in

The social system in which children interact with have major influence on their development. If these relationships prove to be positive then the disposition on learning and school is one the child will take with him on his lifelong journey. When there is collaboration among the families, school and communities the better affect they have on the child’s overall development.

 Historically the family was responsible for the education of the young  In time changes in politics, and economics have changed the dynamics  The education of the young child grew from one room school house to the now intertwined efforts of the families, schools and communities  Key issues that children are faced with can be met with effective intervention and optimal learning can be achieved

 The Incredible Years~ Parent education intended for parents that have children that are A parent training initiative.  Early Start Connections~ Provides resources and referrals for developmental concerns. An intervention initiative.  First 5 Del Norte~ Provides ECD programs such as Music and Movement, Play and Grow, Signing Times, and the Wonder bus. These developmental programs focus on the development of the whole child, implementing activities for large motor development, creative curriculum in social- emotional, fine-motor control, and cognition. Sign language classes for parents and children are available and also the wonder bus is a mobile literacy initiative with a lending library that also travels throughout the community.

 The CHC is a health initiative. They have collaborative effort of parents, healthcare providers and child advocates that have rallied together to make wholesome and healthy food options available and also provide activities that promote physical fitness and emotional wellness.

“ To support and enhance the opportunities that enrich the lives of children, families and all members of the community through information, referrals, programs and activities that build bridges between generations and people that celebrate our children and families”.

 Teen outreach  Peer to peer support  Life skills education  Low-income insurance info and enrollment  Respite and drop in center  Free physical and dental check-up via mobile clinics

It is the collaborative effort of the community with families and schools such as the Family Resource Center in Del Norte county exudes that are imperative to the achievement of children, better grades and attendance as well as more appropriate social and behavior skills. If schools are to succeed in educating children in a rapidly evolving society the partnership between these three social systems must be strong.

Works Cited (n.d.). Retrieved from Barbour, C. B. (2011). Families, Schools, and Communities: Building Partnerships for Educating Children. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.