1. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Chapter 16: Creating Linkages

2. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Policies for Creating Linkages Toward better communication skills Cultural competency Accessing community resources Developing effective advocacy Creating a caring community for families

3. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Toward Better Communication Skills Five Cs of parent relations –communication –caring –confidentiality –common sense –consistency

4. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Toward Better Communication Skills (continued) Developing trust and respect –Be consistent and predictable –Be supportive and responsive Developing a system of communication in child care –within child care –with parents verbal and face to face—best notes after-hours phone calls

5. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Cultural Competency Preparing for cultural competence –Examine your own feelings –Appreciate own uniqueness –Help children to appreciate sameness and celebrate differences –Understand family values and beliefs of other cultures –Create a balance between the dynamics of difference

6. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Cultural Competency (continued) Routines, practices, and procedures in care may be unfamiliar to or misunderstood by families In some cultures, there are distinctive differences that can be observed for, and communication style can be adjusted

7. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Cultural Competency (continued) Integrate diversity into child care –Show diverse images –Include diverse staff –Encourage diversity participation from community –Initiate self-esteem and well-being activities –Respond positively about diversity questions –Provide books and storytelling of diversity

8. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Accessing Community Resources Survey community for resources –public –private –local and state –federal –national organizations –colleges and universities

9. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Accessing Community Resources (continued) Organize resources –Keep a file of available resources

10. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning  Reality Check—Bananas: A Few People Can Make a Difference First resource and referral agency in the United States –Group of mothers banned together to create it

11. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning  Reality Check—Bananas: A Few People Can Make a Difference (continued) One of the most effective linkages in the nation –Nurse handles health and safety issues –Provides linkages for parents and caregivers –Actively advocates for education –Helps deal with special needs –Team effort

12. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Developing Effective Advocacy For the early childhood education environment –teachers for children with director and families –directors for children with families and community For the elementary school –teachers for children with principal and staff

13. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Developing Effective Advocacy (continued) For the family home child care provider –Approaching family needs good communication –Networking with other family home child caregivers –Child care resource and referrals

14. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Developing Effective Advocacy (continued) For the nanny –with families for children –support group –national organization The health advocate –designated health advocate—caregiver

15. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Developing Effective Advocacy (continued) Leadership –grassroots/local –state –national

16. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Creating a Caring Community for Families Personal interactions –Families in care must be involved –Realize families are more alike than different –SES level may have a great effect on parenting styles Understanding family actions –Look at whole child

17. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Creating a Caring Community for Families (continued) Teachers must develop mutual trust and understanding to work with families in a partnership Team members –teacher –family –community resources

18. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Creating a Caring Community for Families (continued) Provide atmosphere –responsive –respectful –good communication –warmth –accessibility –positive attitude

19. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Creating a Caring Community for Families (continued) Survey parents for needs/information Open dialogue Parent center for information Home visits, if possible

20. © 2007 by Thomson Delmar Learning Creating a Caring Community for Families (continued) Providing linkages to community –resources –volunteers –using for prevention/intervention