* Parental involvement as we learn more and more each day about the benefits and importance of it inspires me to help teachers and parents become familiar with these benefits as well as promote more families to become involved. Being an advocate for parental involvement allows me to educate and share the knowledge and studies I have found about the benefits of parental involvement. The earlier that parent involvement begins in a child’s educational process, the more powerful the effects, so why not knowledge the families and teachers now?
What challenges do I feel related to engaging in the advocacy efforts that I have targeted?
* The challenges and worries that I feel related to engaging in the advocacy efforts are the parents reactions and lack of time. I currently work at a day care center, and many of the parents are physicians or going to medical and/or law school so you can imagine that they are quite busy; but what about involvement at home?? Parents may not know that even reading a book and helping with homework can still benefit the child's education. Teaching parents time management and offering other ideas and strategies that can be done even at home can be challenging for some families.
What do I believe will be most effective in helping me overcome any challenging emotions I may be feeling with regard to presenting and implementing my Advocacy Action Plan?
* I know if I have confidence and I believe in what I am addressing as well as offer a variety of ideas and strategies for families then everyone will be able to overcome any challenges. Letting families know that they are not alone and that the teachers are part of this process as well and offer assistance may help some families feel less overwhelmed. Team support will help overcome any challenges!
I can encourage others in their advocacy efforts by sticking to what they believe in and what they know is right. Fighting for what you know and believe in will bring anyone far in life. Others can encourage me by offering their own personal challenges and ways they overcame these challenges regarding parental involvement at their own centers/schools.
