ECE 250 - Partnership with Families and Communities in ECE

Course Description

This course examines partnerships between parents, communities and educators working with children ages birth through eight years old. Topics include understanding families’ uniqueness and diversity, promoting parents as a child’s first and most important teacher, effective communication between educators and family members, identifying family protective factors, and community resources. Advocating for children, families, and the early childhood community is explored. The unique area of home visiting in the field of early childhood is examined. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

3

Lecture Hours

3

Required Prerequisites

ECE 101 and ECE 204 (can be taken concurrently.)

General Education Outcomes supported by this course

Critical Thinking - Direct

Other college designations supported by this course

Degree Req:Cultural Persp/Div

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:
  • Describe the theoretical perspectives and core research base about the ways that various socioeconomic conditions; family structures; cultures and relationships; family strengths, needs and stressors; and home languages' cultural values create the home context for young children’s lives.
Application:
  • Promote the Strengthening Families 5 Protective Factors to enhance the lives of children and families.
  • Design plans for collaboration and engagement with community programs serving children and families.
Integration:
  • Utilize the Strengthening Families Approach when providing services to families.
  • Implement Epstein’s (2019) six types of parent involvement: parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision-making, and collaborating with community.
Human Dimension:
  • Describe the importance of reciprocal, respectful, and cultural/diversity sensitive relationships between families and educators.
Caring - Civic Learning:
  • Explore community programs and resources that are useful to families with young children.
Learning How to Learn:
  • Reflect upon the importance of positive communication with families through a variety of methods such as home visits, conferences, and technology-based methods.