Conduct an interview, create an eco-map, and write a 2–3-page report reflecting on their interview and the eco-mapping process for practice.

Assignment Summary:

The Eco-Mapping project involves conducting an interview with one caregiver in a family that includes one or more children to increase students’ understanding of family-centered strategies, family support, and family-professional collaboration. As part of the assignment, students will conduct an interview, create an eco-map, and write a 2–3-page report reflecting on their interview and the eco-mapping process for practice.

Goals:

1. To reflect upon the importance of family-centered strategies and family-professional collaboration.
2. To apply the eco-mapping process to a real-life scenario.
3. To apply Bioecological Systems Theory to a real-life scenario.

Format:
Your report should be 2-3 pages (apart from the title, reference, and eco-map pages), double-spaced, and consistent with APA format.

Directions:

Individually, complete the steps below.

STEP 1: Interview

1. Identify a parent/caregiver in a family that includes a child aged 1-12.

2. Contact the parent/caregiver to ask for their permission to participate in an interview (30-45 minutes) about their family, specifical information about their child, family supports, and social supports.

3. Based on your reading of McCormick et al. (2008), conduct an eco-mapping interview with the parent/caregiver.

STEP 2: Eco-Map

1. Based on the field notes you collect during your interview, create an eco-map.

2. The eco-map should include the following elements:

• People, organizations, and agencies that are part of the family’s life (minimum 12 circles).

Under each you should have:

i. R: The Relationship
ii. S: The type of Support
iii. F: The Frequency of support

• Relationship lines – identify the strength and direction of each relationship discussed

• In your final draft (the one you hand in), use pseudonyms or initials (not actual names) to protect the privacy of the family.

STEP 3: Report

Write a 2-3-page report (typed, double-spaced, APA format) including the following elements:

1. Brief introduction that denotes the scope of the report. (suggested 1 short paragraph)

2. Reflect on eco-map by answering the following questions: (suggested 2-3 paragraphs)

• What significant/important resources or supports are available to the child/family?

• What resources or supports are nonexistent or in short supply? Would you recommend any services/resources for this child/family? Why or why not?

• Based on your experience with this assignment, explain how the eco-mapping process would enhance your practice. Explain 1-2 challenges you might face in using this process.

3. Apply Bronfenbrenner’s Theory to your eco-mapping process. (suggested 2-3 paragraphs)

• Describe each level of the ecological systems in Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Systems framework  by defining/explaining each system. Please paraphrase when coming up with a definition for each level and cite your source  in APA format.

• Include examples from your interview at each level of the ecological systems.

4. Brief conclusion.

5. Attach your eco-map

• You may have a picture of a handwritten eco-map if it is neat and your handwriting is legible, or you can turn in a PDF copy if you make it in PowerPoint or some other program. Please don’t turn in your rough draft.

Link to the textbook:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y6lmjJy5gGmHG87_VkqeCHypWsGggBL9mTFNIAW_eMc/edit

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