Key Contextual Issues Associated with the PICA Headstart Program

Ask yourself the question, “What are the most challenging issues my program faces when it comes to doing a participatory evaluation process?” Write a 2-3 page double-spaced paper following APA standards about this issue. Describe your current work environment and reflect upon how your personal biases, assumptions, cultural differences may affect an evaluation process. Use some of the content of the readings to address the complexity involved and what specific steps you might take to address the barriers you see. Use of reference material beyond the course’s text is not required. While an abstract is not necessary, include an introduction and conclusion within the paper.
Thank you for your help please use last week's books.
HeadStart serves a vulnerable and diverse population with various programs beginning in utero with prenatal visits, through child care and kindergarten readiness. PICA also serves adults with GED programs, connecting families to resources that meet their needs ranging from legal help to shelter and food insecurity. The program I work for sends out program and staff evaluations to parents once a year. Our program serves a diverse and multicultural community. Language barriers can present themselves and we do not always have the resources to manage them. Documents may not always be translated for some families who are English language learners may not feel comfortable completing forms in a language that is not their native tongue. Another issue present is literacy, we may provide these documents in certain languages but that implies that everybody can’t read and write. Providing education and forms in multiple formats allows for more inclusion, we serve an underprivileged community and it is our responsibility to provide for families where they are at. As a woman of color, I serve a diverse population that I can relate to so I do not hold biases toward the families and students I work towards. Cultural differences between family and staff are an issue that many educators deal with. Approaching families with understanding and respect for their culture and traditions is essential. Fostering a relationship with families and students helps them to trust you which in turn allows you to address their needs. This is the direction I would like this paper to take, I have also attached a textbook reference. Thank you in advance, I have appreciated all the work you have done on my previous papers.