Course description: Examines research and practice in multiple facets of parent and family functioning and involvement in early childhood education; with implications for practicing early childhood professionals.

COURSE GOALS/TOPICS, CLASS DATES, ASSIGNED READINGS

1) Develop an understanding of: the multiple meanings of family; how we learn about families; major changes influencing families; intra-family changes; how families learn and develop; and the bases of family differences in functioning.

Class dates devoted to goal #1: August 24, 31; September 14.

Text readings for goal #1:

Synthesis paper one is due: September 21

2) Develop an understanding of the research and application of the knowledge base on building effective family-school relations: research findings, critical empowering elements of the partnership, important teacher and parent behaviors, and the substance of two recent approaches (Epstein and Comer).

Class dates devoted to goal #1: September 21 and 28

Text readings for goal #2:

Synthesis paper two is due: October 5

3) Develop an understanding of parenting dynamics, and key aspects of parent education/family strengthening programs/practices; relating these insights to knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed for effective parent/family involvement.

Class dates devoted to goal #1: October 5 and 19

Text readings for goal #3:

Synthesis paper three is due: October 26

4) Develop an understanding of the critical perspectives and elements needed for forming a meaningful family involvement program inclusive of: an empowerment based decisionmaking process; key elements in successful programs; challenges and barriers confronting programs; goals and strategies; and evaluation tools/strategies.

Class dates devoted to goal #4: October 26 and November 2

Text readings for goal #4:

Synthesis paper four is due: November 9

5) Develop an understanding of the research bases and effective practices in family-school and parent-teacher communication.

Class dates devoted to goal #5: November 9 and 16

Text readings for goal #5:

Note: November 23 is a research and paper presentation work session - no group session held that evening

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS/READINGS

• Kevin J. Swick (1993). Strengthening parents and families during the early childhood years. Stipes publishing.

• Kevin J. Swick (1993). Empowering at-risk families during the early childhood years. National Education Association.

• Douglas Powell (1989). Families and early childhood programs. National Association for the Education of Young Children.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Attend and participate in all class sessions
2. Complete 5 synthesis papers, one for each goal area.
3. Complete research application paper and present in class.

The 5 synthesis papers:

• One on each goal area. Minimum of 5 pages each (not including references)
• Minimum of 5 references in each paper. (At least 1 reference in each paper must be from sources not used in class.
• Follow APA reference format
• Must be typed or word processed (double spaced is fine) DO NOT USE TYPE LARGER THAN 14.
• Content: Each synthesis paper should review key points covered in the goal area, document these key points, analyze the meaning of the points for practice, and provide examples of how these points can be applied.

The research/application paper:

• Minimum of 12 pages not including references
• Minimum of 10 references (5 must come from sources not used in class.
• Use APA style
• Must be typed or word processed (double spaced is fine) DO NOT USE TYPE LARGER THAN 14
• Content: The research/application paper should be on a critical issue in parent/family involvement and resulting strategies that effectively address the issue under study. It should include:
  • Clear statement of topic
  • Review of research and literature relevant to the topic
  • Analysis of this information in relation to having effective programs
  • Application of information in strategies useful for planning and developing/implementing programs/practices

EVALUATION AND GRADING

5 synthesis papers	75 points
Research/application papers	50 points
Class attendance	25 points
Presentation of paper in class	25 points
Total points	175 points

*For a grade of A = 160 points
*For a grade of B = 130 points
*C Grade = 120 - 129 points