Urie Bronfenbrenner, world renowned psychologist; and Educator-Author, Johnathon Kozol’s real life stories in, Fire in the Ashes, has had the most influence on me in this course of study: Child, Family, & Culture. Bronfenbrenner and Kozol have both touched the lives of poverty’s children. They have made me realize the poverty that exists is not an isolated distant problem but real and happening in communities not far from where I live.
Kozol has documented the poorest children in America and developed genuine relationships with them and their families. One particular girl that Kozol meets when she is in kindergarten, Pineapple, managed to rise above the odds and finish college. “This isn’t only an academic victory, but a deeply human one. A moral victory,” said Kozol in an interview about his book (Busch). We just learned about the socialization consequences of one’s morals, attitudes, beliefs, and their influence on moral behaviors. We develop a set a values and beliefs from our environment and experiences beginning with family.
Bronfenbrenner’s Human Ecology System maps the key circles of influence that surround a child. The child is at the center and as Bronfenbrenner put it - needs at least one adult who is crazy about him/her. “Without a sense of belonging rooted in a secure caring bond, children cannot thrive and reach their full potential,” (Brendtro, 163). Bronfenbrenner also mapped out a healthy ecology and the reverse of a high risk ecology of childhood. He believed that problem behavior did not necessarily predict the future; all children are worthy and have potential. “His ecological research sparked the Head Start movement for disadvantaged children,” (Brendtro, 165).
In conclusion, I chose the topic of Head Start because I am interested in the education of preschoolers, I have a 4-year old in preschool, and will be student teaching at a preschool this summer. I am also passionate about young children and their development and learned about Early Head Start during my research. Bronfenbrenner has shown us that a positive bond with a parent or caregiver at birth is important for the healthy ecology of childhood and what a better way to serve our communities by providing services for children birth to three as well and their families. Early Head Start helps pregnant mothers, single parents, low-income families and children who experience homeless. I have compassion for those living in poverty, especially children and am glad that we do have some services to help them.
References:
Brendtro, L. K. (2006). Reclaiming Children and Youth. The Vision of Urie Bronfenbrenner: Adults Who
Are Crazy About Kids. 15:3, pp. 162-166.
Busch, M. (2012, December 25). Warscapes Magazine. Keeping the Faith With the Kids: An Interview With Jonathon Kozol.
Retrieved from www.warscapes.com.
Kozol, J. (2012). Fire in the Ashes: Twenty-five Years among the Poorest Children in America. New York:
Broadway Books.