Handout 2: Vignettes
Vignette 1: Enrolling Joey
I saw a notice in the doctor's office about an opening in Head Start. It even said something about accepting children with disabilities. I went to the office and filled out some forms. I also spoke with a family worker. At the end of our conversation I told her about Joey's disabilities. She looked nervous and said, "That's fine, I'll have the disabilities services coordinator call you to talk about whether Head Start is really the best place for him."
Vignette 2: A Visit to Our Home
A new home visitor came out to see us yesterday. She came in and asked me how things were going with Joey. I asked her if she had met Joey yet or if she knew about Joey' s special needs. She said, "I know he has neurological problems, but I haven't had the chance to meet him yet." I called Joey in. She squatted down and said hello to him. She looked him in the eye and put out her hand to shake his hand. Then she said, "How do you like Head Start, Joey?"
Vignette 3: A Surprise Meeting
On the first day of the program, I went along. We met the assistant teacher in the hallway. She seemed happy to talk to me. But she never once spoke with Joey. It was like he wasn't even there. When she asked me, "What does Joey like to do?" I said, "Oh, you'll need to ask Joey that one."
Vignette 4: Riding the Bus
From day one, the bus driver treated Joey and me like regular people. She almost always has something good to tell me about Joey, like, "He has a great sense of humor," or "He is so generous with other kids." I can tell that even though she only spends a short time with him each day, she has gotten to know him and has a relationship with him. She even corrected him today in front of me for trying to use karate on another boy!
Vignette 5: The Appointments
I had a meeting with the disabilities services coordinator, someone I hardly know. She seemed nice enough, but she asked me so many questions about Joey, like, "Was he born this way?" "Has he gotten worse over time?" "What doctors does he see?" "What support do you need?" I know she was trying to help, but it was too much, and I hardly know her. She didn't seem to want to get to know ME or JOEY, just things about his disabilities.Vignette 6: The Cook
As we were leaving today, we met one of the cooks in the parking lot. I didn't know him, but Joey did. They smiled at each other and waved hello. He came over and introduced himself to me. He seemed a bit uncomfortable, and said, "Joey and I are buddies. I don't know much about Joey's problems, but if I can make Joey something special or help out, let me know."
Vignette 7: The Volunteer
One day I was at a parent workshop and a new volunteer came up to me. She told me she spent time in Joey's classroom and that she liked Joey a lot. She also said she gave him a special treat because she feels so sorry for him.