Poverty is a challenge that is well-known and affects families and communities on numerous levels. According to Hanson and Lynch (2013) "although many families manage to overcome adverse circumstances, living in poverty unleashes a set of factors and events that pose great risk to the well-being and development of children and their families"(p.130). Duncan, Magnuson, Boyce, and Shonkoff (2011) noted that "poverty constrains parents' ability to provide rich learning opportunities for their children and often parents choose among lower-quality child care, which we know can compromise the relationships children need for healthy development" (p. 1).
I would like to investigate the effects poverty has on families within the school community. I would also like to explore ways in which the school community assists families living in poverty. Programs have been put into place and show positive results, however, the poverty cycle continues and students are still entering school unprepared. How can we change this ongoing situation in order to enhance lives of our nations youngest?
References
developingchild.Harvard.edu/index.php/download
Hanson, M.J. & Lynch, E.W. (2013). Understanding Families: Approaches to Diversity, Disability,
and Risk. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
