Parent Engage - Getting the Dad's Involved

 The challenge I chose for my course project is Parent Involvement the sub-topic is Fatherhood involvement in early childhood.  I became interested in this topic by way of my current work environment.  I for a Head Start/Early Head Start.  As a program we are called to ensure parents are engaged with every aspect of the program on an ongoing basis.  Moreover we are challenged to ensure there are specific activities that directly engage fathers in the program.  Because of this requirement, I began researching the importance of male involvement in young learners development.  I found according to research "children who grow up with fathers that are actively involved and nurturing have better performance in school, increased self-esteem, and healthier relationships with peers (Green, 2011).

I have found working with children that do not have fathers in the home place some increased pressure upon the mother in some situations.  This could be evidenced in a negative manner if there is not a sound support system. There are children that are sadden when specific events involving fathers occur in the classroom and his or her father is not present to participate.  I have also worked with children that may be in a back and forth situation between the mother and father that has negative effects in the classrooms.  I would like to gain more incite surrounding male or father involvement and its effects in the classroom and home environment.  I hope to be able to share this information in my current work environment and other childcare environments to positively increase involvement.

My questions:

Does cultural or economic status influence male involvement?

How does male involvement influence children's school readiness and subsequent school success?




Reference:

Green, S. (2011). Reaching Out to Fathers: An Examination of Staff Efforts That Lead to Greater Father Involvement in Early Childhood Programs. Vol. 5 #2Texas Cooperative Extension, The Texas A&M University System. Retrieved from http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v5n2/green.html