Delaware State University Early Childhood Laboratory School
Family Engagement: Creating a Village Through Outreach Opportunities
Like other early childhood education programs, the Delaware State University (DSU) Early Childhood Lab School, was closed during the initial period of the state quarantine. Dannaé Sewell, Lab School director, and her team responded with an alternative learning experience that included a full slate of engagement opportunities. "Creating this experience for our students and families has truly taken a team effort," said Sewell. "We could not be prouder of our DSU Laboratory educators."
Their outreach involved many options even including technology, such as daily Zoom calls for circle time, singing, dancing, yoga, cooking, and virtual field trips.
Families were involved in a variety of ways. They were sent weekly lesson plans, resources to explore developmentally appropriate activities, highlights from the week, and a preview of the following week's plan.
"It was especially important that we stay connected as a village, the same as when we were attending our center daily. " said Sewell. "However, we wanted to equally balance the American Academy of Pediatrics health and safety tips regarding screen time with our new normal. The reality is the children and families are often just happy to see their teachers' faces while in the safety of their homes.”
