Students learn the significance of the family-child-school relationship, the role of parents and other caregivers, and how to work effectively with diverse families and within diverse communities. Particular emphasis will be paid to cultural, ethnic, linguistic and economic diversity; nontraditional families; and families and communities faced with special challenges such as poverty. Involvement of parents and/or other primary caregivers in children's schooling is discussed at length, including various types of informal and formal home-school communications, home visits, home-school meetings and conferences. Students learn how to develop partnerships with families, including those with children who have special developmental needs, and study the legal rights of the child, special housing concerns and social service agency support.
Course Offered Online: Yes