9.1 Introduction

Community resources are important for helping families meet their needs. These resources can include things like healthcare, housing help, food programs, mental health services, and educational support. They come in different sizes and offer various services depending on what the community needs. Some may be serving the population in the community while others are larger, like state or national organizations. The cost and type of help provided also depend on what’s available in that area.

Early childhood educators can play an important role in connecting families to these resources. By getting to know families and understanding their needs, educators can guide them to services that can help. For example, if a family is struggling with food insecurity, the educator could direct them to a local food pantry. If a child or parent needs extra emotional support, the educator could recommend a nearby counseling or parenting program.

To be a good resource for families, educators need to know what services are available in their community. This means staying informed by talking to service providers, attending community events, and keeping up with any changes to local programs. By helping families find the support they need, educators not only help children and parents but also make the community stronger. In this chapter you will learn what community services are, how to connect them with families in your programs, how to effectively support families in need, and how to find community services in your area.

9.2. Services Provided by Community Organizations

Local community organizations offer a diverse range of services aimed at improving the quality of life for community members. Early childhood educators should know and research the types of services available in their communities to provide an additional layer of support to children and families they serve.

One way to learn more about services in a community is to contact the community organization. Reaching out to these organizations allows early childhood educators and families to gather information about the services they offer, how to access them, and any specific eligibility requirements. Asking questions about the organization’s mission, the populations they serve, and the types of support they provide helps build a clearer picture of what resources are available. This approach also fosters relationships with local organizations, which can be beneficial for ongoing support and collaboration.

Common types of services can include mental health services, housing assistance, food programs, and other community resources. Here’s an overview of common types of services provided in a community:

Health and Wellness Services

• Primary Care: Clinics providing routine check-ups, vaccinations, and health screenings., along with free clinics, urgent care, dental, vision and hearing screenings
• Mental Health Support: Counseling, therapy, and support groups for mental health issues.
• Fitness Programs: Exercise classes, nutrition workshops, and wellness education.

Social Services

• Housing Assistance: Help with finding affordable housing, emergency shelters, and transitional housing.
• Food Security: Food banks, meal programs, and community gardens.
• Family Support: Childcare, parenting classes, and family counseling.

Educational Services

• Adult Education: Literacy programs, GED preparation, and vocational training.
• Youth Programs: After-school programs, preschools, 4K, local school districts, tutoring, and mentorship.
• Community Workshops: Classes on financial literacy, digital skills, and language learning.

Employment Services

• Job Placement: Assistance with job searches, resume writing, and interview preparation.
• Career Counseling: Guidance on career paths and skill development.
  Workforce Development: Training programs and apprenticeships.

Public Safety and Legal Services

• Crime Prevention: Neighborhood watch programs and safety workshops.
• Legal Aid: Free or low-cost legal services for housing disputes, immigration, and family law.
• Emergency Services: Coordination with local fire departments, police, and emergency medical services.

Cultural and Recreational Services

• Arts and Culture: Support for local artists, cultural festivals, and community theater.
• Recreational Activities: Sports leagues, fitness classes, and recreational facilities.
• Community Events: Fairs, parades, and holiday celebrations.

Transportation Services

• Public Transit Assistance: Subsidized bus/train passes or free transit programs for low-income residents.
• Ride-Sharing Programs: Community-based carpooling or vanpool services.

Technology and Digital Services

• Access to Technology: Public Wi-Fi hotspots, computer labs, and device lending programs.
• Digital Literacy Training: Classes on navigating the Internet, using software, and staying safe online.
• Tech Support Services: Free or affordable IT support for troubleshooting and device maintenance.

Disability Services

• Special Education Services: Early intervention programs and school-age disability services.
• Therapy and Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy,
• Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology: Wheelchairs, hearing aids, and speech-generating devices.
• Case Management and Support Services: Assist in securing funding, coordinating care, and connecting individuals to the right programs and resources, ensuring that their needs are met and that they have access to all available support.
• Independent Living Services: Focus on helping individuals live as independently as possible.

These services are essential for fostering a healthy, resilient, and vibrant community. They address a wide range of needs and help improve the overall well-being of residents. (AI Generated, 2024)

9.3 Types of Services Needed by Families

Navigating community services can be a challenge for families, especially when they are unfamiliar with available resources or face barriers such as language, transportation, or accessibility. Connecting families to the appropriate services requires a comprehensive understanding of community programs and the ability to advocate for families in a supportive and culturally sensitive way.

Communities in Wisconsin, like many others, offer a variety of services aimed at supporting diverse family needs, and these programs are crucial in helping families overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. These services often go beyond just providing direct aid; they also offer the support necessary to navigate the complexities of accessing them.

For instance, a housing assistance program may offer a range of services, from helping families find affordable housing to providing access to food security or healthcare. However, for families who speak languages other than English, these services may include interpreters or bilingual staff members who can assist with communication. This ensures that language is not a barrier to accessing essential resources and that families can fully understand and utilize the services available to them.

Similarly, some community service programs are designed to meet the unique needs of particular populations. For example, a program may help parents who did not finish high school earn their diploma through adult education courses or GED preparation. This program may be particularly helpful for single parents or families facing financial hardship, providing them with the tools to break the cycle of poverty by improving their education and job prospects. Additionally, staff in these programs might provide personalized support to help parents manage both their education and caregiving responsibilities, offering flexible schedules or childcare options.

Early childhood educators and community service professionals play a critical role in connecting families with the services they need. These professionals often act as intermediaries, guiding families through the process of accessing various resources, from healthcare and mental health support to legal aid and educational services. They can help families understand the eligibility requirements for services, assist with paperwork, and ensure that families are aware of the full range of support available to them.

Moreover, recognizing the diversity in family structures and backgrounds is essential in providing appropriate support. For example, families in rural areas might face challenges accessing services due to transportation limitations, while urban families might encounter long waiting times for certain services. Being mindful of these challenges and ensuring that community programs are accessible to all families is crucial for fostering inclusivity.

By making connections between families and community resources, educators and service providers can help to bridge gaps in access and ensure that families are empowered to address their needs. These connections also promote a sense of belonging and support, showing families that they are not alone in navigating the challenges they face. Through this collaborative approach, families are better equipped to thrive, and communities become stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive.

Case Study

The Rodriguez family recently moved to a new city for better job opportunities. Sofia and Luis have a two-year-old son, Mateo, who is a happy and curious child but has been slow to start talking. At his two-year check-up, the pediatrician noticed that Mateo wasn’t using many words and suggested a referral to a Birth to 3 early intervention program.

Sofia and Luis were relieved to have support but quickly became overwhelmed by the process. The paperwork was confusing, and they struggled to get clear answers about how much therapy Mateo would receive. They also worried about whether services were available in Spanish, as Sofia primarily speaks Spanish at home.

At the same time, a friend encouraged them to apply for WIC to help with nutritious food for Mateo, but the family wasn’t sure if they qualified. They hesitated, unsure of how the program worked or whether they would face judgment for needing help.

The Rodriguez family wants the best for their son, but they need guidance navigating these essential services.

 

Discuss the following questions:

1. What barriers might families like the Rodriguez’s face in accessing early intervention or WIC?
2. How can early childhood professionals and community advocates support them?
3. What changes could be made to make these programs more accessible and welcoming to diverse families?

9.4 Resource Agencies

Community agencies in Wisconsin vary significantly depending on the physical location and the unique needs of the surrounding communities. In rural areas, agencies may focus on addressing issues like access to healthcare and transportation, while urban areas often have services tailored to housing, employment, and public safety. Certain agencies, such as local food pantries or school-based family resource centers, are specific to a particular city, county, or neighborhood, designed to meet the immediate needs of that area.

On the other hand, some organizations operate on a broader scale, providing services statewide to ensure accessibility for all Wisconsin residents. For example, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) offers programs like BadgerCare Plus, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and mental health resources available throughout the state. Similarly, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) supports statewide initiatives for early childhood education, family engagement, and special education services. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) offers programs for employment, childcare, refugees, and youth services.

Agencies like United Way of Wisconsin, Feeding Wisconsin, and Legal Action of Wisconsin operate with multiple regional offices to bridge the gap between local and statewide service needs, offering a wide range of assistance such as financial literacy training, food security, and legal aid. These organizations ensure that even communities with limited local resources can access vital support services.

Whether at the local or state level, community agencies in Wisconsin are integral to addressing diverse needs and fostering resilience across urban, suburban, and rural communities alike.

Click on the map below to open an interactive resources map for the state of Wisconsin. Once you open the map in a web browser, click on the information icon to learn about services in each county. Note: This is not an extensive list of services available in each county. Each student should search additional resources in the county in which they work or reside.

9.5 Supporting Family Needs

Building strong relationships with families is crucial for early childhood educators to understand the unique needs of each child and their family. Effective communication and trust between teachers and families lay the foundation for supporting children’s development and learning. By actively engaging with families, educators can identify what resources are needed to help families meet their children’s basic needs—such as shelter, health, food, and clothing—which, in turn, ensures that parents and caregivers are more available and able to support their child’s learning.

Early childhood educators can serve as key connectors between families and the community. Often, families may not be aware of the resources available to them or may face barriers to accessing these resources. By building relationships and developing a deep understanding of each family’s circumstances, educators can offer support and share resources to community services, such as housing assistance, healthcare, food security programs, and mental health support. For example, a teacher might notice a family struggling to afford groceries or access healthcare, and, through their knowledge of local services, connect them to a food bank or low-cost healthcare options.

In addition, early childhood educators can act as advocates for families, helping them navigate the often-complex systems of social services, education, and healthcare. This advocacy ensures that families understand the eligibility requirements and processes involved in accessing services and can support them through the application or enrollment process. By offering this guidance, educators play a pivotal role in reducing barriers to accessing essential support and promoting the family’s self-sufficiency.

By promoting positive, nurturing relationships within families, early childhood educators help foster environments where children can thrive. Educators can support families in developing effective parenting strategies and building strong bonds, which are crucial for the child’s emotional and cognitive development. This can include offering parenting workshops, organizing family engagement activities, or providing resources on child development and positive discipline. When teachers collaborate with community service providers, families receive holistic support that enables them to better meet their children’s needs. This continuity creates a stable foundation for children to grow and learn, as they benefit from a network of caregivers, educators, and community members who are invested in their well-being.

Family Functioning

Families function in diverse ways, influenced by their unique structures, values, cultural backgrounds, and life circumstances. Some families may rely on extended relatives for support, while others may function as nuclear families or single-parent households. Additionally, families may face challenges such as financial stress, health issues, or work-life balance struggles that impact their daily functioning. These variations in family dynamics shape the way families interact with one another and engage with their communities.

Early childhood educators play a crucial role in supporting families by connecting them with community resources that address their specific needs. For instance, if a family is experiencing food insecurity, an educator can guide them to local food pantries or nutrition assistance programs. Families struggling with housing instability may benefit from referrals to housing assistance services, while those navigating mental health challenges could be connected to counseling or support groups. By understanding the diverse ways families function and recognizing the unique challenges they face, educators can serve as valuable advocates and resources. This support not only helps families meet their needs but also enhances their ability to nurture their children’s growth and development, fostering stronger, healthier family units.

Here are some examples of how program and educators can support families:

Programs

• Collaborate with staff, families, and social service providers to develop policies and procedures related to family support.
• Respond to questions or concerns from staff members or other adults and act as a professional resource.
• Provide professional development opportunities to staff on family functioning, protective and risk factors, and community resources.

Educators

• Articulate an understanding that families function in a variety of ways and that children or families may require support outside the program.
• Demonstrate an understanding of risk, stress, and resiliency factors related to family functioning and how to support all families appropriately.
• Take steps for further inquiry when concerns arise based on observations of a child or family.
• Communicate daily with families about children’s well-being.
• Refer questions or concerns to other staff members when appropriate.
• Work with colleagues to respond to signs of risk or stress in children, as developmentally appropriate and individually meaningful.

Connecting Families With Resources

Connecting families with resources is a key role for educators in supporting the well-being and development of children and their families. By building relationships with families and understanding their unique needs, educators can identify appropriate services as shown in Figure 9d below. Facilitating these connections not only helps families meet immediate needs but also empowers them to utilize ongoing support systems. This collaboration between educators, families, and community organizations strengthens the family’s ability to thrive and fosters a sense of belonging and resilience within the community.

Here are some strategies for programs and educators to connect families with appropriate resources:

Programs

• Support staff and families in the referral process as appropriate.
• Work with community resources to conduct outreach or provide services to program families as appropriate.
• Anticipate families’ needs for support based on knowledge of the families’ circumstances or of current events that may affect them (e.g., economic climate, natural disasters).
• Identify key community resources that support program practices and family needs, including services that support families with dual language learners’ communication with the program.
• Share information with colleagues and develop connections to the program.

Educators

• Demonstrate familiarity with community resources to support children and families.
• Respond to requests from families about community resources and refer questions to appropriate staff members.
• Protect the confidentiality and privacy of families.
• Engage in conversations with families about referrals to community resources and assist in identifying or gaining access to services as needed, with consideration for the diverse linguistic and cultural experiences of families.
• Identify signs that children or families may require support outside the program, maintain documentation, and initiate closer observation or further inquiry, collaborating with families as appropriate.
• Provide resources linked to classroom instructions to assist families in supporting continued development and maintenance of the home language.

Collecting Community Resources

Collecting and utilizing community resources can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when trying to support the varied needs of families and create the most enriching educational experiences for children. However, these resources are crucial for educators aiming to build strong support networks for families and to foster positive environments for children’s growth and learning. The first step is identifying the specific needs of families—whether it’s access to healthcare, housing support, food security, or mental health services. Once these needs are recognized, educators can work to connect families with the appropriate resources.

While it may seem like a daunting task to keep track of community resources, there are several strategies to make the process manageable:

1. Start Small and Build Gradually: Begin by identifying the most common needs in your classroom or community. For example, if many families are struggling with food security, start by collecting information on local food banks and meal programs. Once you have a few resources compiled, you can expand your list to cover other areas like healthcare, legal assistance, and mental health support.
2. Use Local Networks: Community organizations are often excellent resources for gathering information. Reach out to local churches, social service agencies, libraries, and family service centers, which often have resource guides or lists available. These networks can help you quickly find reliable information, and in some cases, they may even offer free or low-cost printed materials with community resources. In some areas, these guides may be available for purchase to cover printing costs, so it’s worth checking your local area.
3. Partner With Community Organizations: Building relationships with local service providers is key to connecting families with the right support. You might partner with a local mental health counselor, healthcare provider, or housing agency to ensure that families can access services without navigating a complex system alone. These partnerships also allow you to bring in guest speakers, organize field trips, or collaborate on initiatives that directly benefit the children and families you work with.
4. Create a Resource Binder or Digital List: Organize the resources you gather in a way that makes it easy to reference and share with families. Consider creating a resource binder in your classroom or a digital list that can be updated regularly. This helps keep the information organized and accessible, making it easier for families to find support when needed.
5. Stay Informed and Continue Learning: As an educator, staying informed about community resources is an ongoing process. Regularly check in with local organizations and participate in community events to stay up-to-date on available services. This helps ensure you’re always prepared to offer families the most relevant and timely support.
6. Make Resources Part of Your Routine: Integrating community resources into your daily routine can ensure that families consistently benefit from them. For example, you could incorporate local organizations into classroom lessons or events, invite guest speakers from the community, or create family workshops that focus on available resources. These activities not only educate families about the resources at their disposal but also build stronger connections between the school, families, and community.

Remember that collecting and using community resources is not just about finding a list of services, it’s about actively engaging with families to understand their needs and providing continuous support. While the task may initially seem overwhelming, with consistent effort, it becomes easier to create a well-organized system that benefits both families and children. By connecting families with the right resources, educators play a critical role in helping families overcome challenges, strengthen their support networks, and build stable, nurturing environments that promote children’s learning and development.

To effectively organize community resources for easy access and sharing with families, it is essential to balance efficiency with confidentiality. Here are some best practices for organizing resources while ensuring privacy:

1. Create a Confidential Resource Binder or Digital File: Maintain a physical or digital binder containing categorized lists of resources, ensuring that it is stored in a secure location. For digital resources, use password-protected files or cloud storage services with strong privacy settings. For physical binders, keep them in a locked cabinet or secure drawer to ensure confidentiality.
2. Categorize Resources by Need: Organize resources into clear categories such as healthcare, housing, food security, financial assistance, and mental health support. This makes it easy to quickly find the relevant information when needed. You can also add an “urgent” or “high priority” section for resources that families may need more immediately.
3. Use Generic Contact Information: When sharing resources with families, provide contact details that protect individual privacy, such as general phone numbers or email addresses for organizations, rather than personal caseworker information unless explicitly needed. This ensures families can access services without disclosing private or sensitive details.
4. Share Resources with Discretion: Be mindful of when and how you share resource information. When possible, present the information during one-on-one conversations with families or through private notes or emails, rather than in group settings, to maintain confidentiality.
5. Secure Family Consent: If you plan to share specific resources with a family, such as referring them to a healthcare provider or a mental health service, always get their consent first. This ensures you are respecting their autonomy and privacy while still providing the appropriate support.
6. Regularly Update Resources: Make sure the resources you provide are current and relevant. Set a schedule to check in with local organizations to verify contact information, eligibility requirements, and services provided. Keeping information accurate and up-to-date reduces the risk of families being misdirected to outdated services.
7. Offer Digital Access for Easy Sharing: If your families have access to technology, consider creating a secure online resource portal or shared drive that they can access at their convenience. This ensures families can easily access resources whenever they need them while keeping the information secure.

By organizing resources in a way that is secure and accessible, early childhood educators can effectively support families without compromising confidentiality. Ensuring that resource information is categorized, secure, and shared thoughtfully promotes an environment of trust and respect for family privacy.

9.6 Conclusion

Community resources play a vital role in supporting individuals and families by addressing a wide range of needs, from basic necessities like food and housing to educational opportunities and mental health services. However, these resources can only be effective if community members are aware of their availability and understand how to access them. When families lack this knowledge, they miss out on the chance to benefit from the services designed to support their well-being and success.

Early childhood educators are uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between families and these resources. By understanding the specific needs of the families in their care and being familiar with the resources available in their community, educators can guide families toward helpful services. This connection not only enhances the social support available to families but also enriches the learning environment for children. When families feel supported, children are more likely to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

Fostering these connections contributes to a sense of belonging for families within the community. Families who feel included and supported are more likely to engage actively in their child’s education and in the community as a whole. Over time, these strengthened relationships between families, educators, and community resources create a more unified and resilient community, where all members work together to support one another.

Learning Activities

9.7 References

Center for the Study of Social Policy. (n.d.). Mission and vision. https://cssp.org/about-us/about-cssp/mission-vision/

Laff, R & Ruiz, W. (2022). 7.2: Advocacy for children and families. In Dejohnette, M., Harper, M., Porter, N., Romero, L., Ledford, T., & Stephens, C. (2019). Child Family Community: The Socialization of Diverse Children. California Community Colleges. https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Early_Childhood_Education/Child_Family_Community%3A_The_Socialization_of_Diverse_Children/07%3A_Welcoming_and_Supporting_Families/7.02%3A__Advocacy_for_Children_and_Families

Images:

Figure 9a. “Back2School Brigade prepares families for upcoming school year [Image 4 of 4]” by SrA Thomas Karol is in the Public Domain. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Figure 9b: Aitubo. (2024). Flux (v1.0). [AI image generator]. https://creator.aitubo.ai/

Figure 9c: Aitubo. (2024). Flux (v1.0). [AI image generator]. https://creator.aitubo.ai/

Figure 9d: Aitubo. (2024). Flux (v1.0). [AI image generator]. https://creator.aitubo.ai/