By Kristine Hernandez

ECE497: Child Development Capstone Course

Instructor Tracy Reed
May 26
th
, 2014
Period of Development
Early Childhood Ages 2-7
Lincoln Elementary School in Gilbert, AZ
At this point parenting style influences childs
psychosocial development (MacFarlane & Nierman)
Also known as the Preoperational Stage in the stages
defined by Theorist Jean Piaget
Children during this stage show a dramatic increase in
representational activity, as reflected in language,
make-believe play, drawing, understanding of symbol-
real world relations, and categorization (Berk, 2013,
Pg 248).
My Role as a Child Development
Professional
Being able to understand and accommodate children
from all cultures, English Language Learners, children
from low poverty homes, etc
Ability of assess children while they play and learn to
give the best data regarding their development or
possible needs for intervention or further evaluation
Encourage childrens play but not controlling it
Assist children in resolving conflicts with their peers
in a constructive manner
Understanding the limitations that children have
physically, emotionally, and mentally during this stage
Rationale
The purpose of this presentation is to explain my role
as a child development professional in regards to
working with the children and their families as well as
with the community.
I will also explain the purpose of these relationships as
it relates to the influences of your childrens learning
and development
The Mesosystem
Theorist Urie Bronfenbrenner
(1917-2005) developed the
Ecological Systems Theory
which explains the effects of
different relationships on a
childs development.

The 2
nd
level is The
Mesosystem which are
relationships at home, in
school, the neighborhood, and
child care centers.
Epsteins Types of Involvement:
Parenting
This type of involvement refers to helping families establish good
home environments to support children as students
How does this type of involvement influences a childs learning
and development?
This type of involvement improves childrens attendance, makes the
children more aware of how important education is, and helps
create positive personal qualities, habits, beliefs, and values, as
taught by family (Epstein).

One idea the school or community could implement right away
that aligns with the cultures represented at the school.
Since this school has a strong sense of community and family I
would recommend starting an after school program that all children
can participate in that helps children build relationships through
games and learning

Epsteins Types of Involvement:
Communicating
This type of involvement relates to the communication between the school and
home regarding programs available to students and the childrens progress
How does this type of involvement influences a childs learning and
development?
This ensures that parents are on the same page with the teachers in regards
to the students progress in school and if any intervention or further
assessment may be needed communication is essential.
Also, if translators are needed during parent teacher meetings or if parents
do not read well then nonverbal communications need to be adjusted to
ensure parents are able to understand the information being sent
One idea the school or community could implement right away that aligns with
the cultures represented at the school.
This school should implement reading material in multiple languages to
address the families who do not speak/read English well or at all. Also, they
should have translators for parent teacher conferences to ensure parents are
able to understand the information being given to them in regards to their
childs progress.

Epsteins Types of Involvement:
Volunteering
This involves relates to recruiting and organizing parents as volunteers
How does this type of involvement influences a childs learning and development?
When parents are involved in their childrens learning it helps children to
understand the importance of learning and it builds stronger relationships with
their parents

One idea the school or community could implement right away that aligns with
the cultures represented at the school.
Make flexible schedules and events to ensure that more parents are able to
volunteer and participate in the events.

Epsteins Types of Involvement:
Learning at Home
This involvement is providing parents with information on how to
help their children at home with homework, activities, decisions,
and planning
How does this type of involvement influences a childs learning
and development?
This helps prepare parents on how to helps their children with
homework and projects by giving them ideas. This influences
children positively because they are receiving the support they need
from their parents and helps students complete homework and also
builds a stronger relationship with their parents.
One idea the school or community could implement right away
that aligns with the cultures represented at the school.
Throw different events that display some assignments and work that
is done in the classroom. Also, have students who created the work
discuss their work with anyone who views their work. This will give
parents some ideas and show them what children this age are capable
of doing.

Epsteins Types of Involvement:
Decision Making
This type of involvement is to make parents a part of the
decision making when it comes to their childrens learning
How does this type of involvement influences a childs
learning and development?
When a parent feels more involved in their childs learning then
they are better equipped at helping their child at home with
homework and any projects. This type of involvement with
their children helps build stronger relationships among
children and their parents.
One idea the school or community could implement right
away that aligns with the cultures represented at the school.
Mail home flyers and throw parent/teacher conferences to
discuss the desire for parents to give ideas, input, concerns, etc
in regards to their childs learning

Epsteins Types of Involvement:
Collaborating with Community
This type of involvement is used to use resources and
services from the community to improve school programs
and family practices
How does this type of involvement influences a childs
learning and development?
When the community works together to improve childrens
learning and programs then children are more likely to get the
best possible experiences in regards to learning than if their was
no community interest.
One idea the school or community could implement right
away that aligns with the cultures represented at the school.
Throw fundraisers within the community with volunteers to
help in order to raise money for students arts and crafts, field
trips, new uniforms, after school programs, etc.

Resources:
Berk, L. E. (2013).Child development. (9th ed.). Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Epstein, J. (n.d.). Epstein's framework of six types of
involvement. Retrieved from
http://www.unicef.org/lac/Joyce_L._Epstein_s_Frame
work_of_Six_Types_of_Involvement(2).pdf
MacFarlane, M., & Nierman, M. (2014). Life Span
Development. Annenberg Learner. Retrieved from
http://www.learner.org/series/discoveringpsychology/
development/2_6.html 5/26/14