Reconceptualising university-based community child and family programs

Abstract

As discussions about what constitutes quality early childhood continue to engage key policy makers, administrators and service providers, it has become apparent that it is important that parents are also represented in these forums. This paper outlines a part of a larger study, specifically focussed on parent experiences of engaging in a university child and family program (CAFU). The family groups attending the various groups are diverse and needs vary considerably for individual families. The study was designed to examine the experiences of parents in relation to the contributions that students make to the program (and their potential to contribute) at micro and macro levels within their local community. A focus on developing a community of practice in the university child and family program privileges a strong sense of justice and notions of agency. As such, what is required is an understanding that contexts play out in particular ways as a result of the values, beliefs and understandings that are held by the participants who interact and work with young children in particular contexts. Parent understandings of this role of the university community playgroup in terms of contributing to community capacity building in the local context ensue.