Basic+Needs+Group+3

This is where Basic Needs Group 3 is to post their discussion about Module 10 Assignment. I believe our group is Gillin Thomas (th595790); Gross Danielle (da848931); Haley Brittaney (br249458); Hawk Heather (he441479); Jack Jelesa (je987207) For this assignment you will post at least one (1) comment for each of the following topics: Here is a possible basic needs table we could use. []
 * 1) What role families' basic needs play in their overall quality of life, and
 * 2) How can systems and professionals within systems build families' trust?

[|tjgillin] Family basic needs play the largest role in their overall quality of life. If a family is healthy (physically and mentally), productive, has a place to live, and has good interaction between members the lives of all involved will be better. Families with their basic needs satisfied, can be more involved in the education of the children. Families without their basic needs being met, may be struggling in one or more of the areas, may put more time or interest in trying to meet their basic needs. The same thing goes for students. Students who are lacking basic needs may struggle in the classroom. If needs are not being met, their priority is not school.

Here is a video that talks about understand the basic needs of students/families in schools.

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[|tjgillin] The best way systems and professionals can build trust with families is by working in the best interest of the child and not covering areas that parents are uncomfortable with. Families want services that work with them and not the other way around. They do not want to be told what to do. The professionals and services need to work out a schedule that works with the families’ schedule. They cannot just assign them a time to come in. To build trust, the lines of communication must remain positive and open.

This is an article on things that can help keep that trust between professionals and families.

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1. What role does the families basic needs play in their overall quality of life? A family’s basic needs are essential, especially to families with children who have disabilities. Poverty can affect a family’s quality of life through health, productivity, physical environment, emotional well-being, and family interaction. Poverty is two to three times higher her in the United States than it is in any other country. Teachers can help family’s with some basic needs by helping them find a health-care agency, or by providing them with information on getting benefits for their child. Teachers can also provide social and emotional support to help the family know that they are not completely alone on dealing with these hard times.
 * Brittaney Haley**



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2. How can systems and professionals within systems build families trust? There are many ways for systems and professionals of systems to build trust with a family. Almost all trust comes from forming a partnership with the family. A family-professional partnership is important to the family because they want to know that the professionals are going to act in the best interest of their child. Professionals need to have constant communication with the family and let them be involved in the decisions being made for their child’s education plans. For professionals to show that they are fully committed to their child’s needs as well as the family needs is also a huge way to build trust. Professionals need to prove to the family that this is more than a job to them, that the family and child are their main concern and biggest priority.



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I really have to agree with you when you stated that if a family's basic needs are met, then they are more likely to be involved in their child's school/education plans. when family's have to worry about meeting their basic needs, such as providing food for their family, and a house to live in, the last thing they can think of is their child's education. Most adults in this situation are busy working two sometimes three jobs, and they can't focus on getting involved with schools. Making money to support the family is the number one priority.
 * Brittaney Haley, Reaponse to Thomas **

I like what you had to say about teachers helping families who may lack basic needs. Teachers need to realize that they can help families by introducing them to the many services available. Many families who lack basic needs may not know that they qualify for certain services or just may not know how to get the services. It is important for teachers to be open in communication with all families. They need to get to know all the families personally, so if they do spot a situation that can be fixed, they can step in and get them the help that they need. I believe as a society we should work to make sure a families basic needs are met, but I have to wonder if that is a function of an educator. Teachers do not have the time necessary to even prepare lesson plans and grade school work, in our county this is all done unpaid. The school district does employee social workers, guidance counselors and family liasons that are in a better position to help families meet their basic needs. A teacher should refer a family to the appropriate school employee or advocacy agency to help their needs be met. If a families basic needs are not being met, it is hard for a families focus have a good quality of life. By having basic needs met a family is able to enjoy life, but when a need is not met, the families focus is on the needs that are not met. When a family is in poverty they face incredible stress just to meet the needs of food and shelter. When basic health needs are not met, the focus is on health especially when there is a chronic condition or illness in the family. Health needs not being met may place a burden on a family member to provide care, endless hours at the hospital or may incapacitate a parent making them unable to be an active parent. Many families lack security due to poverty and living in unsafe neighborhoods or domestic violence situations. When families are confronted with the aforementioned challenges caused by basic needs not being met, it can be difficult to have a good quality of life, but many families still do. Trust between families and systems and schools must be built, it is not a given. Schools and systems must makes parents and families feel valued and involved. Contact between both parties should be open and honest while decisions should be a team decision. School officials must show that they care about the child and fully support the family. The family's feelings and concerns must be validated. Respect for the family, their struggles and successes, and way of life must be shown. http://eex2758.wikispaces.com/Basic+Needs+Group+3
 * Thomas Gillin, Response to Brittaney **
 * Heather Hawk, Response to Brittaney **
 * Heather Hawk **

I fully agree with the fact that the family's have the right to be involved and valued by the professionals. it is not easy for professionals to gain the trust of a family in general, but they have to be extra careful when dealing with family's who have a child with an exceptionality. Having trust is so important when it comes time to help a family during their struggles and their succces as you mentioned. Just being able to understand the family and their needs is going to play a huge role in gaining trust, and will make the family feel more comfortable.
 * Brittaney Haley, Response to Hetaher **