Understanding Community Capacity Building
This is going to be a deeper understanding of myself about Community Capacity Building, a process of empowering communities in developing improved resources and social connections to address challenges (Chaskin, 2009, as cited in Lohoar, Robertson, & Nair, 2013).
I realized how Holland Bloorview's collaborative approach aligns with this since it engages families and educators to build a supportive environment for children with disabilities (Holland Bloorview, 2024).
Relating Theory to Practice in ECE
I saw how theory connects with practice, particularly in inclusive education. Holland Bloorview's interdisciplinary model showed me how to work with healthcare professionals to develop individualized plans for children, enhancing my role as an advocate for children's holistic development (Holland Bloorview, 2024).
Family and Community Collaboration
The most predominant was the importance of family involvement. Holland Bloorview's family support services importantly signaled that working in partnership with families is crucial in meeting the child's needs. This cemented my role in supporting the families, not just the children, for better educational outcomes (Holland Bloorview, 2024).
Challenges in Collaboration and Advocacy
I recognized how collaboration can be challenging due to lack of resources or time, but I learned how building relationships with health care providers and requesting more resources in these matters enable support for the children and their families in a better manner (Holland Bloorview, 2024).
Sustainable Practices for ECE and Collaboration
I learned how this translates into sustainable practices that will ensure the continuity of support given to children beyond rehabilitation. An ECE has to be an advocate for long-term care, social inclusion, and policies entailing consistent access to services outside of the classroom (Holland Bloorview, 2024).
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