Quality 6 in the Australian National Quality standards, exceeding themes discusses the importance of services and how they support families to build relationships with relevant community services and agencies that enhance children’s well-being, learning and participation in the educational program.
However, it is highlighted, not just in Australia's early learning sector, but in multiple countries, as a vital part of what we do. It is largely argreed that there is significant importance in educators seeking out and building partnerships with families at the service and with members of the community.
One area that is most important to build a strong partnership and gain additional information is around individual children's needs. When we do this effectively, we are able to better bridge any gaps in the child's access to quality learning opportunities.
My personal view is that we have a responsibility to help bridge any learning, and social-emotional needs children have by engaging allied health professionals. I feel that this is actually an equity issue and that when educators are able to support families in building these relationships, children have an equal footing to supportive education.
However, how do we get there? We first must take the first step to build a trusting relationship with families so that when possible concerns are identified, we have the foundation already set. By building that trusting relationship with families, we are then able to take the steps to voice concerns in a professional and supportive manner.
We need to have a good understanding on how best to talk to the family and ensure that we address it in a manner that is respectful, yet open and direct. Some families will need a more gentle approach, with an approach that perhaps comes in the form of a question. "I was able to spend some one on one time with Billy today. I noticed that when we were talking about the colour "yellow" that he was dropping the "y" sound and it was coming out like "w". I was just wondering if this was something you had noticed at home?"
This can sometimes open up a diaglue with the family where they may share similar concerns. It is also a great idea to have some allied health professionals available and be ready to discuss this further if the family is ready to.
It is important to know your families well before starting these hard conversations to ensure that you are best able to get a positive response from the family and get them the support they may be requiring.
If you have children that are already receiving additonal support, make sure you are able to and have permission to converse with these professionals. Learn how they are supporting the individual child, ways you can continue that support in your service and tailor your curriculum around this. This embedds the guiding pratice of working in partnership with families and community and the children will get the best opportunities for higher outcomes.