1. Author Janette Quince Kindergarten A 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 not involved Teachers also have reasons why they do not encourage parent participationLots of ideas on how to build contour banksFinally the benefits - Fertile land where a kindergarten 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 fostermeaningful partnerships withfamilies and the community

5. Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines building inclusive partnerships by involving and drawing together the experiences, beliefs, practices and social and cultural knowledge of many individuals all partners should have a voice and share in the decision making...[in order to] feel empowered and connected with others

6. EROSION OCCURS parents attitudes Lack of time Lack of parking spaces Not wanting to take up teachers time Centre is the domain of the teachers and children

7. More erosion occurs Lack of understanding of cultural differences Aboriginal parents may lack confidence and skills when communicating with educators may not trust or understand the service

8. Further erosion happensLower economic status Aboriginal people are among the most disadvantaged groups in Australia. May not be able to afford transport, lunches, clothes, telephones or a computer. Absenteeism may be a further problem

9. Teachers attitudes cause erosion also Disruption to routines and curriculum teaching Shortage of time to communicate with parents inconsistencies between the teachers beliefs and practices

10. Teachers Perception of theChilds Culture Causes Erosion difficulty understanding all cultures culture does influence on a childs learning Lack of communication about how children can be connected to their families while in an early childhood centre

11. Staff beliefs relating to theproposed change at centres must be nurtured in order for it to be fully supported.

12. Contour banks ways to involve parents Open communication Newsletters Emails Interviews

13. More contour banks Assistance with excursions Taking a leadership role on the committee Attending meetings

14. Extra contour banks can be built Guided participation

15. Contour banks - Portfolios The child and family members may contribute content that reflects experiences outside the setting

16. Further contouring teachers are urged to see parents as collaborators and to gain knowledge from parents about their child as this will complement the staffs knowledge and therefore be a great resource

17. Contour banks timetabling activities should be flexible Some Family activies could be held in the evening.

18. Making contour banks by building bridges Welcoming families home-to-program connection

19. Fertile land Teachers and parents appreciate each others role, promotes the exchange of information and enhances childrens learning Parents remained involved in their childs education aided school achievement and retention

20. Fertile land enjoy benefits such as maternal employment, increased self confidence and lower depression levels

21. Conclusion Frameworks and curricula all urge educators to involve parents Erosion occurs due to parents busy lifestyles Teachers also cause erosion and may not want parents to be involved as the classroom is their domain

22. Parents can be involved in many ways from Communication Assisting with excursions Leadership roles Sharing their expertise Contributing to portfolios Sharing their childs interests, talents wants and needs with educators

23. Contour plans enable thekindergarten to be rich and fertile and truly a place where kindergarten children are able to grow and prosper .Contour plans enable the kindergarten to be rich and fertile and truly a place where kindergarten children are able to grow and prosper.