Using the Early Learning GPS with families

Agenda

• Overview of the Early Learning GPS• Tips for using the GPS with families• Discussion – tools to help you use the GPS in

your work• Helping spread the word in your community

The family seems to be the most effective and economical system for fostering and sustaining the child’s development.

Without family involvement, intervention is likely to be unsuccessful, and what few effects are achieved are likely to disappear once the intervention is discontinued.1

—Urie Bronfenbrenner, co-founder of Head Start

What PA families want:• Families very interested in their child’s

development, but have difficulty in understanding what this means and finding appropriate resources.

• Families are looking for an authority to help them figure out what information is the right information.

• Families want information when they need and have time for it.

What do you feel families want?

Early Learning GPS (Guiding Parents Smoothly)Purpose:•Create an interactive way for families to think about what they can do to support their child's development and simple actions they can take. •Engage them when they are most receptive, and make it easy for them to follow their own learning path.

What's unique?

• It’s a great place for all families to start learning how to help their baby grow.

• The information is reliable. • Families go at their own pace.• No tests, no scores.• Families can provide feedback to improve the GPS.• The GPS helps families take the next steps.

Demo

GPS - Audiences

• Anyone who cares for young children – parents, grandparents, foster parents, siblings

• Professionals who work with individuals caring for a young child

• Organizations and businesses who want to provide resources and education to families and employees with young children

How can the GPS be used?

• By an individual online• By two people face to face (with discussion

guide)• In a parent training class or lunch and learn

Providing info on the GPS to families• Post logo and

web banner to your website

• Share the 2 minute introduction video • Include article in email, newsletter• Facebook posts• Display flyer, postcards

Using one-on-one with families• Questions help spark discussion, identify areas

where families need more information and support

• Allow parent to guide the process - choose the area they are most interested in

• GPS Personal map worksheet a great place to jot notes and review tips

Use with groups of families• May want to focus on one section or a few

questions and resources – avoid the internet “rabbit hole”

• Let group guide discussion, choosing answers• Can they have “homework” to find information

that answers their questions using the GPS resource links

Questions for you:

• How do you see yourself using the GPS with families?

• What tools would be helpful to use with families?

Sharing in your community• Family-friendly businesses• Libraries• Community centers• Places of worship• Local TV, radio, newspaper• Sports teams• Elected officials (local, county,

state)• Schools

They can:•Post logo/link on website•Include article in newsletter•Display flyer in offices•Include flyer/postcard in mailings•Set up kiosk in waiting/common area

Questions, feedback, suggestions?

email Kelly Swanson at kelswa@berksiu.org