Family Learning Workshops
Understanding the Need
Collaboration with families is a key component of creating positive outcomes for early childhood learners. The UNLV/CSUN preschool is an early childhood program that serves children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. The preschool is an inclusive, accredited program that is rated 5 starts by the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
The Nevada State University, Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) focuses on supporting the developmental needs of typically and atypically developing, 3-5 year-old children, in preschool classrooms. Our children learn in a natural, experiential, age-appropriate manner through hands-on, play-based curriculum.
Children and families that attend these early education centers are diverse in many ways. Collaborative learning should take into account these diverse needs while educating families on ways they can enhance their child’s learning in their own homes.
About the Pathway
Fellows are tasked with designing an evidence-based activity that would be showcased at the family learning workshop, hosted by each institution’s preschool, each semester. Fellows also create handouts that families could take with them to implement the activities in their own homes.
The fellows are challenged to create activities that are developmentally appropriate, inclusive for families of different cultures and backgrounds, and engaging for the kids.
Fellow Reflections
“The family learning night was a good experience as it reminded me how students start out as learners, and that just goes to show that learning through play is beneficial for all ages, as all the activities were fun to watch and do. It made me realize that I do want to be a teacher. It’s just more confirmation.”
“I learned to be adaptable when creating activities for different ages. I learned the impact culturally responsive pedagogies can have on our students.”
“I have learned that pre school is a whole different story compared to the rest of elementary school. I clearly was not aware of the capabilities of a preschooler before this as I have never worked with them before. However, now I feel I better know how to work with these younger students.”
This CEP was made possible thanks to community partnerships as well as generous funding from the Nevada Department of Education to support the Nevada Institute on Educator Preparation (NITEP).
