Students explore situations such as parent-teacher conferences, parent meetings, the use of parents as volunteers, and parents as policymakers. Attention also focuses on needs of the single parent, the student parent, parents working outside the home, foster or adoptive parents, and the older parent. This practicum offers a variety of options for placement and foci for learning. Students may participate in programs for infants and toddlers, preschool-age children, kindergarten, early elementary, early childhood special education, or parent education. This course may be repeated for credit.
Students examine the contribution of the diverse cultures within American society.
The course promotes analysis of racism, sexism, and ageism within the school and community. Participants discuss different patterns of child development within different cultures and incorporate them into the school curriculum. This course is designed to help students identify changing family and community structures, patterns, and relationships. Students determine how these influence children and their educational needs. They study methods of assessing family needs and interests, identifying and utilizing community resources, and responding to family needs through education and partnerships.