During this week I spoke with a Director of a center based program, who has a Master's degree in early childhood education, with 20 years of experience in the field. In her center she admitted that they do not have many advocacy efforts in place for their teens, but, they do encourage the parents to attend parent meeting and workshops that are offered at the center. She did say that the center advocates for the teachers, by providing stress relief and balancing work with family. Because they are aware the hard, but rewarding work that the field requires. Administrators are very busy professionals, who are always looking for great ideas and suggestions on how to make the early childhood field an even greater place. I plan to work with the administrator by presenting my advocacy issue and begin communicating some of my ideas of how her center could advocate for their teen parents.
Hello Tan!
ReplyDeleteIt can be hard when a center is so busy in making sure that everything is in place functioning smoothly and making sure that children and their families are satisfied with the program. But as teachers get stressed at times centers often forget about the feelings of parents and the way that they are feeling, especially if their teen moms. I believe that centers should conduct monthly parents meeting and check in with them and see how they are feeling or what they may need help in. I understand that it can be too much for a center to handle but it can help parents unite and help one another, especially teen moms. Helping and guiding teens in the right path can be the fist steps in advocating for them and seeking help in areas in which they may need help in. Good Luck!!
I was just curious as to why she has not implemented a plan at her program to support her young female/male teen parents? Does she feel that it is not a priority for the program right now? Does she have any plans for the future?
ReplyDeleteI think that the teens in her program are very lucky that they have someone like you Tan. I also agree with you that administrators have busy schedules, but teacher's are just as busy. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to make your advocacy efforts a success.
Thanks guys for your thoughts and suggestions. I'm tring to put some ideas in motion geared towards the teen mothers, because their parents meetings are geared toward center issues, concerns, and complaints. I would like to see more workshops that have topics that are relevant and related toward teen mothers.
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