Diversity and Common Obstacles

Chapter 10 begins, “in today’s United States, there is no typical family; rather, there is a vast diversity of family structures in which children develop and learn” (Wardle, 2013, p. 274). Our classroom, families, and children are reflective of this statement. Early care and education programs have a crucial role in supporting all families and “by supporting the family, we support the child” (Wardle, 2013, p. 283).

Reflecting on these quotes from the textbook, choose two common obstacles that families face from the list below and explain how you will work with families to overcome this obstacle.

Common obstacles:

1. Poverty
2. Children with developmental delays
3. Problems with substance abuse by family member
4. Grandparents raising children and generational issues
5. Lack of extended family support
6. Communication difficulties
7. Cultural conflicts between the family and program
8. New immigrant status

For each of the obstacles you have chosen, complete the following prompt with critical thought and elaboration. Each obstacle should have a minimum of two ways that you will support families who are facing the challenge.

Prompt:
As an early childhood educator, in an effort to support families who ________________, I will _____________.