EDU 215 - Family,Communities & Schools

This course explores educational considerations for teachers including the policies, theories, practices, skills, and knowledge of home, school, and community partnerships. Candidates will examine: the multiple influences on the whole child; accessibility of community services and supports; ethical, practical, and culturally competent decisions to foster family engagement; knowledge and skills needed to address family structure, socio-cultural and linguistic backgrounds, identities and customs, and advocacy for children and families. This course uses an ecological approach to explore the complex characteristics, present practices, and involvement of families, educational settings, and communities as they impact child development and learning. Students will understand the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships between the home and school by learning how to demonstrate sensitivity, collaborate, and provide support for all families with diverse structures, identities, customs, and cultural and social backgrounds. The importance of effective communication and respectful dialogue with families, especially in areas of child assessment and classroom practices will be stressed. In addition, students will examine the role of child advocacy, investigate the availability and accessibility of community resources and services, and plan opportunities that involve families and communities to promote child development and learning. This course offers an opportunity to earn Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention Training certification.

Co-requisites: NONE

Prerequisites: (ENG 112 or HON 201 ) and EDU 101 and (ECE 100 or EDU 100 ) with a “C” or better

Credits: 3(Lec: 3)