PS1: Demonstrates respect for children's diverse family structures, values and traditions
Evidence 1: Welcome Packet
Description: This packet is mailed to all registered families at the beginning of August.
Analysis: In an effort to introduce myself to families and to aid in the transition process these items are mailed to families three weeks before the beginning of school. This packet is followed by a phone call to each family asking them to share any hopes, goals or concerns that they have for their child during the upcoming school year. I also ask families to detail eating and sleeping routines. This first contact with families aids in classroom set-up and lesson planning.
Evidence 2: Developmental Assessment Letter to Families
Description: This letter is sent home in Tuesday folders with each child's developmental assessment twice per year.
Analysis: In the fall and spring developmental assessments are completed for each child within the preschool. Parents are asked to read through their child's assessment, note any questions, and set up a time to meet with me. The ability to note areas of strength and of weakness helps to direct lesson planning and aids in goal setting for each child. Parents are also able to contribute during conferences and often round out the developmental assessments by detailing developmental markers that their children are completing while at home. It is a wonderful connection between home and school.
Evidence 3: Photo of Taryn's Mom Assisting with Gingerbread Houses
Description: Taryn's mother assists children while making gingerbread houses.
Analysis: Families have differing holiday traditions. Last year at Christmas we invited families into our classroom to share those traditions with us. Taryn's family makes gingerbread houses and delivers them to neighbors each Christmas, so Michelle (Taryn's mom) collected supplies and taught all of Taryn's friends how to make gingerbread houses. Our gingerbread houses were then given to our buddies at the main school. During this time period our class was introduced to many traditions for Christmas and Hanukkah.
