Interactive with Program Director

Module 3

I had the opportunity to spend some time with the program's director this week.  She express that she was hopeful that with the new creative arts after school programs, children will get a better grasp of social emotional skills, creative arts and an immersion in language.  There are many children in the school who are ELL and this can be a difficult time for these students and parents.  Parents are trying to adjust to a new neighborhood and children are adjusting to a new school, friends and teachers.

It is helpful when after school programs are created where students can slowly become a community of learners.  "We have included many after school programs such as cooking, music, drama and dance for our students at the school".  Many teachers have volunteered their time to help these students to develop social emotional skills while creating opportunities for an emersion in language.  "We did an International Night that was very successful with familes and children who performed from grades Pre-K to 5th grade".

How would you address the advocacy issue with professionals in your setting?

I would address this issue by advocating for more school and community events where children and families have the opportunity to learn about other cultures and be exposed to more language. 
The director expressed a need for more teachers to find time to give back to the students and was hopeful that it will be a successful year next year with the new afterschool programs.  The children and the community expressed an interest in participating in these afterschool events.

What kind of difference would I make in this community or my field?

I would like to make a difference by inviting guests to come to afterschool programs in order for students to learn more from experts in their fields.  It does make a difference when you involve children, families, schools and the community to events.  It makes the setting feel more like a family

Yvette T.