Module 5 Case Study
Need 1: Emotional Safety and Stability for Omar
The behaviors of Omar indicate that he has to deal with trauma, uncertainty, and a
new setting. His response to loud sounds, aggressive play, and separation issues reflects that
his top priority need is emotional safety and stability in the classroom. To address this
requirement, I would use trauma-sensitive teaching, including routine predictability,
calm transitions, and well-displayed visual schedules to help him know what is to
occur next. He would have a place to control himself when he is overwhelmed by a quiet
place with soft materials. When he drops off, I would be collaborative with his uncle to
initiate a process of gradual and reassuring separation that would make Omar feel safe. I
would also consult the family about any potential triggers or comforting the family to make
sure that my approach is respectful and culturally responsive.
Need 2: Communication and Family Support
The second significant need is the enhancement of communication and the support of
the family. As Raghad is the primary communicator, when she was a teenager, I recommend
the use of a professional interpreter or a bilingual liaison to help the family deal with the
school, but not to pressure her. Another way that I would assist the family is by linking them
with community services like medical assistance with Omar's tight shoes and limp, refugee
services, and mental health resources that are meant to serve children who have been
displaced or wounded. These resources can ease tension in the family and enhance Omar's
welfare.
Advocacy Within the School Community
Biases, as well as misinformation among other families, are also necessary to
advocate for Omar. I will react to stereotypes and concerns expressed by parents about the
family being a refugee or practicing certain cultural traditions by providing calm and objective advice that reinforces the inclusion, safety, and respect of diversity. Education,
reassurance, and the use of the same messaging will assist in the establishment of a warm
atmosphere where Omar and his family will feel understood, accepted, and appreciated.
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Module 5 Case Study
TypeEssay (any type)
Education levelBachelor’s
ServiceWriting
Size1 page (275 words), double spacing
SubjectECE 341
LanguageEnglish (US)
Description
Case Study #1 provides a scenario and some specific details about a child/family. You are the active educator. You will be given a set of questions to respond to and will provide a minimum of 3 paragraphs that supply the answers to the questions. With each new week that follows, based on the overall group responses, new details and new questions will arise.
Case Study:
Of the nearly 13,000 Syrian refugees accepted in the United States thus far, it is estimated that close to 78% are children. Approximately 1500 refugees were resettled throughout the state of California in 2016. This means a child who is a Syrian refugee could very likely be in one of your early childhood programs. Based on this, the following scenario has been created to help you navigate some challenges that may arise (Dowling, 2014, p.19).
Omar is a four-year-old boy who arrived in your program in late October. He is a Syrian refugee who has been accepted into the United States along with his 15-year-old sister, Raghad, 7-year-old brother, Abed, and their Uncle, Mohammad. They fled their country amid severe shelling attacks and had to leave their parents, relatives, friends, and possessions behind to escape narrowly with their lives.
They have been accepted into a small community of Iraqi immigrants who are now US citizens and have opened the doors of their small 3-bedroom apartment, which they share with 2 other families. There are 4 adults and 6 children in the apartment. Omar does not speak English, but the older Sister, Raghad, has one year of English language courses in her country and can speak well enough to communicate with the school. The Uncle, Mohamm, ad is now working long hours and is the only guardian for Omar.
Oar is a brown-haired boy with large blue eyes aa nd rounded face. When he is dropped off at school by his Uncle, he is suffering from what appears to be separation anxiety. After about an hour, he calms down in the classroom. He usually retreats to the block area where he has found an airplane and building blocks. He repeatedly builds the blocks up and knocks them down in an aggressive manner.
When he visits other areas of the classroom, he has a destructive approach. When he paints, he pounds the brushes on the paper, usually splashing the paint across the table, squeezes play-dough, pulls it apart, and throws it in the air. He seems anxious and restless in class,s moving from activity to activity. He also does not like loud noises. As a matter of fact, when the fire alarm goes off during a drill, he begins running and screaming in the classroom.
He does not speak but responds angrily to peers and takes toys out of their hands often. When a peer does the same, he grunts angrily and then throws himself on the ground or throws things in anger. He avoids most peers and usually sits off to the side during group. He wears the same clothing often, and it appears dirty, but he appears bathed. You notice he is walking with a limp and discover his shoes fitightlyht. He brings a rice and beef dish with fresh fruit daily, and you saw he eats only a few bites.
During outside time, you notice he does not explore as his peers do, but instead, he sits in the corner of the yard, near the storage shed, and digs in the dirt. When his sister arrives to pick him up from school, he runs to her and begins to hit her repeatedly, and usually leaves crying with her holding his hand.
Finally, you happen upon a conversation among a few parents about fears of terrorism. One of them asks you if the family will be staying for long in the program, considering they are Syrian refugees. Another one comments on thedaughter’ss clothing (hijab) and says that they do not like how she hides behind her scarf.
Reflection Questions:
- Having built a relationship with Omar and his family, what do you think he or they may need? In other words, how can you serve as an advocate for Omar and his family?y. Identify two needs and how you would advocate for them.