Families, Communities, and Schools

Catalog description

This course includes a theoretical and research foundation for early childhood educators’ work with families, schools, and communities. As societal changes are mirrored in schools, the use of a contextualist model as a basis for family, school, and community partnerships makes sense. For early childhood educators, the current findings by neuroscientists about the importance of early stimulation for optimal brain development point to the importance of supporting families. Further, early childhood educators are in a position of having knowledge that should be used by communities to enhance the lives of children and families. New scientific information and current societal concerns about children’s safety have led to a change in the charge of early childhood professionals. Teachers of young children must effectively involve families and communities in educating all of our children. Neglecting to do this at this critical time in history demonstrates both a lack of knowledge and a lack of caring about providing the best possible education for all children.