Family Based Early Childhood Services

Ch.3

Who is “family” to you?

Defining FamilyA broad definition of family includes: The traditional family definition (parent and

child),Intimate partnersTrusted othersIndividuals living in the same household,Individuals who have daily interactions withone another and those who care for the person in

question.

Family Systems Theory“Bounded set of interrelated elements

exhibiting coherent behavior as a trait.” (Constantine, 1986)

“An assemblage or objects related to each other by some regular interaction or interdependence.” (Webster)

Overview to Family SystemsMost families fall on a continuum somewhere

between healthy and dysfunctionalThis continuum represents the range of

experiences, history and functioning of a family system

Family Systems Perspectives

Family members actions influence all members of the system

All families are in a constant state of changeThe family system seeks stability in the midst

of these changesWhen individual members change, the system

seeks to restore itself

Six Concepts Related to FamilyStructureBoundariesPower and IntimacyFreedom of ExpressionWarmth, Joy and HumorOrganization and negotiating skillsValue Systems

Organization and negotiating skillsHealthy Families: room for discussion in

times of negotiating; spirit of camaraderie; tasks run smoothly; little stress.

Unhealthy Families: tasks done with difficulty and inconsistently; repeated arguments; organizational structure maintained by control.

Warmth, Joy and Humor

Healthy Families: humor important bondingelement; shared happy experiences; humorruns freely; allows members to feel at ease.Unhealthy Families: little or no sharedhappy memories; feel as though no one cares;

humor at others expense; do not seek to comfort others.

Freedom of ExpressionHealthy Families: lively discussion; accepted

differences; love is not withdrawn due to differences; ambivalence and uncertainty

accepted.Unhealthy Families: pressure to hide

feelings; avoid adversity; range of feelings are unacceptable.

Power and Intimacy

Unhealthy Families: little or no consideration for member feelings or opinions; usually one member dominates decision making.

Healthy Families: equal power in primary dyad, consideration of member viewpoints promotes intimacy.

Boundaries

Unhealthy Families: roles are unclear; minimal connection within a community; isolation; rigid roles and expectations.

Healthy Families: Ability to speak freely without fear of retaliation or punishment

VALUE SYSTEM

Unhealthy Families: value system is rigid or non-existent; people are perceived as bad; no acceptance of differing views.

Healthy Families: members find a niche within the family; members see value in belonging; capacity for symbolism; individuals find higher meaning in life.

Benefits of Parent Involvement

When schools work together with families to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but throughout life.

Source: The Parent Institute

Benefits of Parent InvolvementResearch indicates that the most accurate predictor of a student’s achievement in school is not income or social status, but the extent the student’s family is able to:

1. Create a home environment that encourages learning.

2. Express high and realistic expectations for their children’s achievement and future careers.3. Become involved in their children’s education at school and in the community.

Source: www.cde.state.co.us - Strengthening Parent Involvement

History of Parent Involvement

Post WWI (1945 - 1950s)Participation in parent conferencesHomework monitoringReport card review – sign report cardPTA meetingsFundraising eventsMother-focused - “room mothers”

Parent participation: special educationParent participation was mandated first in

1975: Education of All Handicapped Children’s Act. In 1986 legislation called for a focus on the family in the delivery of early intervention services.

SPECIAL NEEDS AND THEFAMILY

No one ever plans on having a disability When an individual is severely affected by injury, accident or illness it has an enormous

effect on not only their own life, but on those closest to them—which almost invariably involves the family!

Impact on family: StagesShock and denialAdjustmentReintegration and acknowledgmentEstablishing a support systemKubler-Ross: Five Stages of GrievingDenial• Anger• Bargaining• Depression• Acceptance

Children with Special NeedsApproximately 1% of all newborn babies can

be identified as having conditions that are considered as special needs.

1% of all special needs are detected during the 2nd year of life

From 8-11% of the school-age population will show conditions that need special education services (Someday’s Child)

Family RelationsAnd Special NeedsFelt they neglected other children Marriages suffered Resented relatives failure to understand and accept child with a disabilityServicesSupport groupsRespite careProfessional counselingTable P.66 Very Important Table P.69: Family

centered philosophy in Early Intervention

Discuss impact of culture and special needs!