Beyond the Schoolhouse: Understanding Families Though Preservices Experiences in the Community

Abstract

The benefits of family involvement in the education of children with disabilities are well documented. Few teacher education programs, however, implement specific strategies for encouraging interactions between families and those preparing to be teachers. The University of South Florida St. Petersburg and the local membership of a professional association for persons with disabilities (i.e., Council for Exceptional Children) developed a summer community-based program involving preservice teachers. The Support Network for Kids in the Community (SUN) program required that the preservice teachers interact with children with various disabilities and their families in inclusion summer recreation activities as part of university coursework. The preservice teachers assisted the students at community sites, acted as mentors, provided assistance to the recreation leaders, and interacted with the families. The preservice teachers, as a result, were able to understand more fully the challenges faced by the children and their families. The SUN program development and coordination efforts required of the university and community partners are discussed as well as the positive and unique reflections reported by the preservice teachers.