Fifteen students are wrapping up a year-long training session through the College of Western Idaho (CWI) Early Childhood Education program aimed at providing home visit early education for migrant populations throughout southwest Idaho. This group of educators, referred to as family liaisons, will work with migrant families providing educational resources to better prepare younger children to enter kindergarten.
The Project was funded by the Migrant Education Program of the State Department of Education as part of their continued efforts to provide parents educational tools and resources. Mary Lou Wells, Migrant Education Program Coordinator, proposed this project based on previous programs that have successfully assisted migrant parents in being their child’s first teacher and increase the preparedness level of students coming into kindergarten.
The family liaisons completed the required coursework in child development and home visiting techniques to meets the competencies of the Home Visitor Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through the Council for Professional Recognition. Along with the educational component, family liaisons completed a professional portfolio, submitted questionnaires to their clients to evaluate their competency, and were observed and assessed by an advisor and parent/community representative during home visits. The final step in the process includes final reviews and observances by a CDA council representative which will take place over the next few months.
Additional family liaison training is anticipated for future demands. For more information contact Bonnie Noonan, Program Chair for CWI’s Early Childhood Education program, at bonnienoonan@cwi.edu.