Perspectives on Families

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
ECED 2312
Discontinued
No
Course Code
ECED 2312
Descriptive
Perspectives on Families
Department
Early Childhood Education
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
1.50
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
Flexible delivery ranging over 1 to 15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
Lecture\Practice 30 hours Total Hours 30 Hours
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Tutorial
Learning Activities
  • Lecture
  • Class discussion
  • Videos
Course Description
This course explores current issues and policies affecting children and their families from historical, cultural and feminist perspectives. Through the sharing of critical incidents, students are encouraged to examine and enhance their skills in communicating with and supporting families.
Course Content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  1. Early childhood educators work cooperatively with children and family members as listener, communicator, supporter, facilitator, guide and problem solver. The development of effective skills for relating interpersonally is essential to being a reflective practitioner.
  2. Early childhood educators recognize key elements about the nature of families: families are diverse in patterns and structure; families have strengths; families are a unique system within the context of other systems; and families are constantly changing.
  3. In the role of early childhood educator one facilitates collaboration with families at all levels of service provision.
  4. Understanding and valuing diversity means that all children and families are encouraged to develop their full potential and are appreciated for their individual gifts and abilities, culture, race, gender, ethnicity, age, and social class.
  5. Early childhood education has a long, rich tradition of parent involvement. The early childhood educator is knowledgeable about the history and philosophy of working in partnership with families.
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Know Perspectives of Families
    • Family Systems - understands and recognizes key elements about the nature of families: families are diverse in patterns and structure; families have strengths; families are a unique system within the context of other systems; and families are constantly changing.
    • Family-Centred Care - demonstrates an understanding that families are involved as initiators, primary decision makers, and information providers in a family-centred approach.
    • History and Philosophy - understand the assumptions, practices and skills embedded in the history and philosophy of working in partnership with families.
  2. Practice Skills in Perspectives of Families
    • Professional Skills - works cooperatively with children and family members as listener, communicator, supporter, facilitator, guide and problem solver.  Develops effective interpersonal skills.
    • Family Centred Care - applies the principles of the family-centred approach.
    • Inclusion - promotes opportunities for children and families of different abilities, ethnicity, gender, culture, age, and temperament to grow together in an environment of mutual respect.
  3. Demonstrate Attitudes in Perspectives of Families
    • Family Centred Care - acknowledges that families are of central importance in the child’s life, and works toward building a close relationship between home and the early childhood setting.
    • Inclusion - believes in the equality of all people regardless of ability, ethnicity, sex, culture or temperament.
Means of Assessment

This course will conform to ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations.

  • Test or Reports of the Readings.
  • Interview Report
  • Resources Research Report
Textbook Materials

T.B.A.

Prerequisites

ECED 1211

Which Prerequisite

ECED 2412