Handout 4:
Family Scenario:
Strategies for Partnering with Families

Instructions

As a team, read the family scenario. Then, using the assigned approach (formal or informal), discuss the following questions: Which of the Nukamtu's concerns or issues could the approach best address? What specific strategy or strategies would you use to carry out this approach? How do you think the Nukamtu family would react to this approach?

The Nukamtu Family

Lee Nukamtu:    Father of four, computer-factory assembler
Cho Nukamtu:   Mother of four, homemaker with a degree in biology
Rae Nukamtu:    Age 6
Ann Nukamtu:    Age 5
Joe Nukamtu:    Age 3
Ben Nukamtu:    Age 2

Lee and Cho Nukamtu have been married for seven years and have four young children. Lee Nukamtu recently enrolled two of the children in the Big Valley Head Start program. He was very pleased to learn that Head Start accepted both Ann and Joe this year, because the family has been on the waiting list for the last ten months.

Lee works as a screen assembler at the computer factory. The job, according to Lee, is a blessing because he is home from work each day at four o'clock, giving him time to spend with his family. Cho has a degree in biology from a university in her native country. She speaks no English and has enrolled in an ESL class. However, she is deeply frustrated because the classes do not provide her with the technical literacy skills she needs to get a good job.

The oldest child, Rae, is in first grade and attends the local elementary school. He is a rambunctious child with an insatiable curiosity about everything. Ann is adjusting to Head Start with no problems. She has made friends quickly and seems to really enjoy the experience. Joe, on the other hand, cries when he is brought into his classroom. On some days, Cho and Ben have had to remain with him, because the minute Cho disappears, Joe begins to scream. One day, Joe screamed for three hours before falling asleep on the floor. Lee recently asked if Ann and Joe could be put in the same classroom to ease Joe's discomfort.

Currently, Cho stays at home with Ben, the family's youngest. However, Cho wants to work full time on her English skills and find a job. Cho's neighbor, who has a child the same age as Ben, told her about a community child-care program. Lee called the program to find out more information and to enroll Ben, but there are no openings at this time.

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