Family, Culture and Community
Each child develops within a family, community, and culture. A child's experiences in the home setting enormously impact how and what the child learns. For example, children raised in families that include three generations witness and participate in human relationships different from those of children raised by single parents who have little contact with other family members. Children who grow up in rural areas construct knowledge about different topics than do children who grow up in cities. Children living near clean, well-equipped public parks will probably have more opportunities to play outdoors than do children who have no safe places in which to play. To truly understand how to support each child's development, we must learn about the environment in which each child is being raised.
The Ecological Model
Child’s development was influenced by gender, age, health and nutrition status, temperament, and other individual characteristics.
Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of development can explain how family, community, and culture affect the growth and development of children growing up in many different cultures and settings. The model supports several, of Head Start's philosophical tenets:
· Families are the primary influences in children's lives; Head Start should encourage and support parental involvement in their children's education.
· Each local Head Start program should reflect the community's goals for children and families.
· Head Start should deliver its comprehensive services through collaboration with community resources.
· Services should be individualized to respond to each child's and each family's unique background, skills, needs, and interests.
Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of development can explain how family, community, and culture affect the growth and development of children growing up in many different cultures and settings. The model supports several, of Head Start's philosophical tenets:
· Families are the primary influences in children's lives; Head Start should encourage and support parental involvement in their children's education.
· Each local Head Start program should reflect the community's goals for children and families.
· Head Start should deliver its comprehensive services through collaboration with community resources.
· Services should be individualized to respond to each child's and each family's unique background, skills, needs, and interests.
Culture
Most cultures have values and practices related to child rearing. Certain behaviors are encouraged, while others are considered inappropriate or undesirable. In addition, each child's sense of self is, in part rooted in culture. Children tend to flourish in environments that acknowledge and respect their cultural beliefs and customs. Conversely, when children's cultures are not reflected in their experiences beyond the home, they may not achieve their maximum potential.
Head Start staff can use the ecological model to get to know each child and to understand the many factors that are likely to affect a child's growth and development. This information will help staff establish partnerships with parents and plan programs that support children's development at home, at the center, and during group socialization sessions.
Head Start staff can use the ecological model to get to know each child and to understand the many factors that are likely to affect a child's growth and development. This information will help staff establish partnerships with parents and plan programs that support children's development at home, at the center, and during group socialization sessions.