ED 245 - Child, Family and Community

Course Description

  • Prerequisite: ENG 22/60 OR placement in ENG 100; and "C" or higher in ED 105

Develops communication skills for establishing effective relationships with diverse families and other adults. Introduces students to the local resources available for family referal.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ED 245, the student will be able to:

  • Explain the historical development of the family within the context of education.
  • Describe contemporary families and society's impact on them.
  • Discuss the role of the community in nurturing and supporting families.
  • Describe the cultural, religious, and economic diversity of families in the community.
  • Explain the importance of early childhood educators working with families.
  • Discuss the interrelationship of early childhood educators, children, and families.
  • Explain the educational rights and responsibilities of children, parents, and early childhood educators.
  • Describe strategies to work effectively with specific family attitudes, strengths, and backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate techniques and tools used in communicating with families.
  • Practice planning and conducting meetings, conferences, and special events with families.
  • Explain how to foster the development of parent groups and parent leadership.
  • Discuss the importance of home visits and home teaching.
  • Describe ways to involve families in early childhood programs.
  • Describe ways families can share their skills and talents with early childhood programs.
  • Discuss parent education techniques.
  • Practice solving problems in the parent-early childhood educator-child relationship.
  • Describe ways to work with families who are under stress.
  • Identify community resources and services for families with special needs.
  • Identify the means for referring families community resources.
  • Describe the causes of child abuse.
  • Explain the role of the educator in cases of suspected abuse.
  • Identify strategies that prevent abuse through parent support and education.
  • Describe ways to collaborate with families to support the development of children with varying abilities.