Draw on relevant theories, the quote, and your own developing pedagogy Essay

Draw on relevant theories, the quote, and your own developing pedagogy to discuss and debate the notion of partnership with par - Essay Example Democratic practice is evident as teachers, parents and even children share power equitably and each is given the acknowledgement and respect he or she deserves. Parent participation comes in the form of â€Å"providing necessary information about the child, providing resources and attending special events to active participation in decision-making† (Styles, 2000, p. 5). If parent participation in schools in strong in Italy, the same is desired for New Zealand and for anywhere else in the world. It would be ideal if parents not only â€Å"take part† in early childhood programs but to â€Å"be a part of† such programs. In this sense, parent involvement is elevated to parent partnership with the school or children’s center. I believe partnership is a collaboration of parents and teachers/child workers as equals with regards to planning the early childhood program for children. ... Its strand of Mana Whenua or Belonging ensures that children and their families feel a sense of belonging in the children’s center (MOE, 1996). In my place of work, parents are considered important resources in our early childhood program. They are aware that they can be called upon anytime to help facilitate children’s development with the collaboration of the school. Evidently, Te Whaariki is one reflection of how the government gives importance to educational partnership with parents. There is a mandate that requires ECE services to establish and sustain collaborative partnerships with parents/ guardians and whanau. The collaboration of the parents with the teachers/ child workers benefits all children, as their learning and development are promoted and extended in both home and children’s center/ preschool (Crown, 1996). â€Å"The strategic plan for ECE Pathways to the Future: Nga Huarahi Arataki (Crown, 2002) devotes an entire goal to promoting collaborativ e relationships, including stronger linkages between ECE services and parents and whanau (Mitchell, Haggerty, Hampton, and Pairman, 2006, p. 4). Government initiatives to deliver high quality early childhood education to children obliges professionals in the field to comply with the highest standards in care and education for very young children and to forge strong partnerships with parents. However, Styles (2000) enumerates some obstacles in the formation of effective partnerships – â€Å"lack of time, busyness, lack of clarity about expectations, different priorities, staff turnover, and cultural differences† (p. 6). Personally, I would welcome more ideas and suggestions from the parents of our students because I believe