1. Author Janette QuinceKindergartenA Garden ForChildren and their Families

2. Introduction Contour banks Early Years Learning Framework Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines C & K building WaterfallErosion occurs Parents give reasons why they are notinvolved Teachers also have reasons why they donotencourage parent participationLots of ideas on how to build contour banksFinally the benefits - Fertile land where akindergarten can thrive 3. The Early Years Learning Framework oPartnerships oWelcoming environment oValue and respect diversity oRecognise connections between children, families and the community ochildren learn about themselves and construct their own identity within the context of their families and communities ochildren are connected with and contribute to their world 4. C & K Building WaterfallsUrges educatorsto affirm and foster meaningfulpartnerships with families and thecommunityIn consultation with the childrensparents and team members, developa sound inclusive education and careprogram founded on the principles ofchild development theories andknowledge of the children in thecentre. 5. Queensland Kindergarten LearningGuidelines building inclusive partnerships by involvingand drawing together the experiences,beliefs, practices and social and culturalknowledge of many individuals all partners should have a voice and share inthe decision making...[in order to] feelempowered and connected with others 6. EROSION OCCURS parents attitudes Lack of time Lack of parking spaces Not wanting to take up teacherstime Centre is the domain of the teachersand children 7. More erosion occurs Lack of understanding of culturaldifferences Aboriginal parents may lackconfidence and skills whencommunicating with educators may not trust or understand theservice 8. Further erosion happensLower economic status Aboriginal people are among themost disadvantaged groups inAustralia. May not be able to affordtransport, lunches, clothes,telephones or a computer. Absenteeism may be a furtherproblem 9. Teachers attitudes cause erosion also Disruption to routines andcurriculum teaching Shortage of time to communicatewith parents inconsistencies between theteachers beliefs and practices 10. Teachers Perception of theChilds Culture Causes Erosion difficulty understanding all cultures culture does influence on a childslearning Lack of communication about howchildren can be connected to theirfamilies while in an early childhoodcentre 11. Staff beliefs relating to theproposed change at centresmust be nurtured in order for it to be fully supported. 12. Contour banks ways to involve parents Open communication spontaneous or planned Newsletters Parent handbook conversations Emails Interviews 13. More contour banks Assistance with excursions Taking a leadership role on thecommittee Attending meetings Fundraising Volunteer in the room 14. Extra contour banks can be built Guided participation Sharing of skills 15. Contour banks - Portfolios More than a collection ofinformation Social sharing that enricheslearning and understanding oflearning dispositions and educatorsinteractions with children. The child and family members maycontribute content that reflectsexperiences outside the setting 16. Further contouring teachers are urged to see parentsas collaborators and to gainknowledge from parents abouttheir child as this will complementthe staffs knowledge and thereforebe a great resource 17. Contour banks timetablingactivities should be flexible Some Family activies could be heldin the evening. 18. Making contour banks bybuilding bridges Welcoming families home-to-program connection 19. Fertile land Teachers and parents appreciateeach others role, promotes theexchange of information andenhances childrens learning Parents remained involved in theirchilds education aided school achievement andretention 20. Fertile land enjoy benefits such as maternalemployment, increased selfconfidence and lower depressionlevels 21. Conclusion Frameworks and curricula all urgeeducators to involve parents Erosion occurs due to parents busylifestyles Teachers also cause erosion andmay not want parents to beinvolved as the classroom is theirdomain 22. Parents can be involved in manyways from Communication Assisting with excursions Leadership roles Sharing their expertise Contributing to portfolios Sharing their childs interests, talentswants and needs with educators 23. Contour plans enable thekindergarten to be rich andfertile and truly a placewhere kindergartenchildren and their families are able to grow andContour plans enable the kindergarten to be rich and fertile and truly a place where kindergarten children are able to prosper grow and prosper. .