Early Childhood Educators in the Community

Chapter 11 Early Childhood Educators in the Community

Why the information is important:

All of this information contained in chapter 11 is important, because of how beneficial it is to early childhood educators. It states the importance of the community being involved with education and the learning process. It explains that teachers gain a higher level of knowledge by fostering healthy relationships with community members. If community members become involved with the schools and families then children are provided with a caring society. As a parent of three children, it is important to me that the community be positive and safe, caring and nurturing towards not only my children but all children in the area.

How I will implement this knowledge in my future classroom:

I plan to implement community members being involved in my classroom by inviting them to be "Special Readers." In order for the "Special Readers" to work, I would have to make an effort to be involved in or, at least, just attend a town meeting. I would introduce myself and explain what my intentions are for starting this program. I would invite the community members once a month for different holidays and special dates to read a book to the students. We would take pictures with them and hang them in the classroom. I would also attempt to bridge the gap between community members and families by hosting a "Meet and Greet" in our classroom. The students would introduce their families and I would introduce the community members. Together we would develop a trusting and hopefully long-lasting friendship which would prove beneficial to the education of all the children at our school.