Who would have thought that a simple task such as engaging families in their children's education would be innovative in the early childhood field? Early childhood professionals definitely understand the importance of engaging families into their classrooms and into their child's educational progress. So why is this an innovative approach? While we know it is good practice, unfortunately not everyone is putting this practice and there is so much more to just inviting families into your environments that can engage them in their children's education and development.
What I stumbled upon when looking for innovative strategies in early childhood education was IDEO, a global design company, and their support for a text entitled "Tangible Steps Toward Tomorrow: New Designs for Early Education, Ages 0-8." The text not only supports engaging families in their child's education but engaging them before their child is born. Providing support for new mothers and fathers to understand the importance of the impact parents have on their children in the early years of their child's life and how that impact can ensure a positive outcome for their children (W.K. Kellogg Foundation & IDEO, 2008).
IDEO and W.K. Kellogg Foundation challenge the early childhood field and elementary schools to take the human centered approach when designing programs for young children (W.K. Kellogg Foundation & IDEO, 2008). Both organizations challenge us to create more collaborative connections with community resources and businesses in order to involve families and their children more in the community (W.K. Kellogg Foundation & IDEO, 2008). When families know the resources that are available to them, they may be more inclined to become more involved in their children's education, development, and success.
I found this resource quite interesting and was happy to stumble upon it. There is so much research in this resource supporting the involvement of parents and families in children's education and ways to accomplish that for the family who is able to be at school as well as the family that cannot be present at school. I encourage you to check it out as it proves to be a valuable resource for any early childhood professional.
References
IDEO. (2015). Strategy for Improved Early Childhood Education for WK Kellogg Foundation.
Retrieved from https://www.ideo.com/work/strategy-for-improved-early-childhood-education-for-
wk-kellogg-foundation
W.K. Kellogg Foundation & IDEO. (2008). Tangible steps toward tomorrow: New designs for early
education, ages 0-8. W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek: MI.
