Part II: Interviews
**Please write the question and the answer underneath
1. In consultation with the teacher and your instructor select two families with young children in your community. Each of the families should be of different ethnic groups. Establish a relationship with the families to learn more about them. Plan and conduct an interview with each of the families to help you build positive relationships and to gain an understanding about their needs, goals, and experiences. Remember that interviews must be conducted in person.
Use the following questions to orally interview the family. (1b; 2b; 4a)
• What can you tell me about your child/children?
• What makes your family special?
• As a parent (or family member), what are your goals for your child/children?
• What learning expectations do you have for your child?
• How can I help you to meet the goals that you have for your child?
2. Based on the findings from your interviews, select one family and identify one of the goals that they have for their child. Together with the family, create a plan to engage the family in their children’s learning. Your plan should include the following (NAEYC 2c):
• Brief description of the goal
• A list of suggested activities
• List of recommended materials and any appropriate resources for the family and child (for example, home materials, books, community agencies, recommended websites, and others)
3. Conduct interviews of professionals to identify approaches to meet needs of families and children. Interview the following professionals (NAEYC 6c, 6d):
Social worker, guidance counselor or special needs coordinator
Parent involvement coordinator from a Head Start program or community based program
Early childhood teacher
Interview each of these professionals and find out about the following:
Audience served, services provided, requirements for families to receive services, and comments on any areas where action needs to be taken to overcome challenges faced to serve and meet the needs of families
4. Summarize your findings from the interviews in a two-three page paper. Include a reflection about the findings (What knowledge did I gain about the role of other professionals in supporting families and children? Why is it important for early educators to work with other professionals? How would this help me in advocating for families and children? ) (NAEYC 6d)
