Standard

Updated: 03/02/04
11/30/05

ECE 151 – Introduction to Family Issues

Course Description

Introduces the student to social and cultural issues which affect families and familiarizes the student with local resources which offer services to families in crisis.  Topics include:  professional responsibilities, family strengths and issues, and community resources.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

Professional Responsibilities

Class

2

Family Issues

D. Lab

0

Community Resources

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

 

Credit

2

 

 

 

Prerequisite:

Program Admission

Corequisite:

 

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

Professional Responsibilities

2

0

        0

School-Age Staff Role

Identify the caregiver’s role and responsibility in helping school-age children and youth and their families cope with family issues.

 

 

 

Family Issues

15

0

0

Family Strengths

Identify family strengths and how to support them

 

 

 

Divorce, single parenting, death, family violence, stress, drug abuse, teen pregnancy and sexual behavior

Determine the impact of each family issue on children and youth.

 

 

 

 

Describe appropriate guidelines for helping children’s families cope with family issues.

 

 

 

Community Resources

3

0

0

Community Agencies

Identify community agencies/support groups for referral

 

 

 

Reference File

Develop a reference file of current information (pamphlets, brochures, articles) addressing course relevant issues.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Gestwicki, C. (2004). Home, School, and Community Relations. New York: Delmar.

Miller, K. (1996). The Crisis Manual for Early Childhood Teachers. Beltsville, MD: Gryphon House.

Hewitt, D. and S. Heidmann. (1998). The Optimistic Classroom.St Paul, MN: Red Leaf Press.

Fagan, J, & G. Palm. (2004). Fathers and Early Childhood Programs. New York: Delmar.

Diffily, D. & Morrison (Eds.). ( 1996). Family-Friendly Communication for Early Childhood Programs. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Couchenour, D., & K. Chrisman (2004).  Families, Schools, and Communities. New York: Delmar.

Stone, J. Building Classroom Community. (2001) Wasington, DC: NAEYC

Levin, D. (2003). Teaching Young Children in Violent Times.  Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Pang, V.O. (2005). Multicultural Education: A Caring-Centered, Reflective Approach. Boston: Mc Graw Hill.

Nieto, S. (1999). The Light in Their Eyes: Creating Multicultural Learning Communities. New York: Teachers College Press.