Maui Community College
University of Hawai'i
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number
Course Title
Education 245/Family Resources 235
(cross listed course)
Child, Family, Community
Credits
3
Date of Outline
6/05
2. Course Description
Develops communication skills in
establishing effective partnership
relationships with diverse families and
other adults. Introduces students to the
local resources available for family referral.
3. Contact Hours/Type
3 hrs/wk – lecture
4. Prerequisites
Completion of ENG 22 or placement in
ENG 100, or consent.
Corequisites
Recommended Preparation
Approved by _______________________________Date___________________
5. General Course Objectives
Prepares students for working in early childhood settings by developing communication
skills in establishing effective partnership relationships with diverse families and other
adults. Introduces students to the local resources available for family referral.
6. Specific Course Objectives, Competencies, and Student Learning Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. Recognize and respond sensitively, effectively, appropriately, and professionally to
diverse family situations, needs and concerns
b. Communicate effectively and authentically using a variety of strategies
c. Collaborate with and support families to assure effective referrals to appropriate
community sources and agencies
d. Demonstrate an openness to working in full partnership with families and advocate for
families and children
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic
Linked to #6. Specific Course Objectives, Competencies, and Student Learning Outcomes.
1. Introduction, overview (a-d)
2. Family systems theories (a, d)
3. Diversity of family roles and
functions (a, d)
4. Professionalism (including
ethics and confidentiality) in
working with families and
community (a)
5. Dealing with bias, culture,
values, roles (a-d)
6. Family partnership strategies
(a, c, d)
7. Community agencies and
resources (c)
8. Communication styles and
strategies to manage conflict
(b)
9. Self-knowledge and
awareness (a-d)
1 week
2-3 weeks
2-3 weeks
1-2 weeks and throughout course
1-2 weeks and throughout course
3-4 weeks
2-3 weeks
1-2 weeks and throughout course
Throughout course
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from
those currently available in the field. Examples include:
Barbour, Barbour, & Scully. Families, Schools, and Communities, 3rd edition. Pearson,
2005
Berger, Eugenia. Parents as Partners in Education, 6th edition. Prentice-Hall, 2003.
Gonzalez-Mena, Janet. The Young Child in the Family and the Community, 4th edition.
Prentice-Hall, 2005.
Couchenour and Chrisman. Families, Schools, and Communities, Together for Young
Children. Thomson Delmar, 2004.
Gestwicki, Carol. Home, School & Community Relations. Thomson Delmar, 2004.
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is
being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
Class attendance, participation, group and individual projects and presentations, service
learning opportunities, developing ways of communicating with families, exams, quizzes,
class discussion, role-playing.
Class attendance/participation:
Quizzes, exams
Projects, presentations
Up to 20%
20-45%
20-45%
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods will be at
the discretion of the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
Mini-lectures, videos, role-playing, large and small group discussions, oral and written selfreflections, demonstrations, guest speakers, games.
The following includes additional information in alignment with assessment principles and includes
program, state, and national outcomes and/or standards.
11. Program outcomes this course addresses:
3. Communicate appropriately with children and adults from all backgrounds to build
respectful, reciprocal relationships; use appropriate guidance practices with children.
5. Advocate for children and their families in the classroom and the program; base
decisions and actions on ethical and other professional standards; apply knowledge of
development and its multiple influences; participate in ongoing, collaborative learning;
demonstrate collaboration, critical thinking and reflection.
12. Departmental or Program competencies the course addresses:
Relates to the Hawai'i Careers with Young Children Attitude, Skills and Knowledge for
Early Care and Education Practitioners – Center Based (Birth – 5 years old) ASK Core
Areas of Professionalism and Working With Families:
Professionalism: The competent early childhood practitioner performs his or her job well,
has cooperative relationships with colleagues and other professionals, is committed to
growing in skills and competence, behaves ethically and advocates for children and
families.
Working with Families: The competent early childhood practitioner establishes positive
and productive relationships with families and involves them in the early childhood
program.
Relates to Hawai'i Preschool Content Standards – Curriculum Guidelines for Programs for
Four-Year-Olds:
- Guiding Principles #3: Families are the primary caregivers and educators of
their young children.
Relates to NAEYC Associate Degree Standards:
Standard 2: Building Family and Community Relationships.
Standard 3: Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children
and Families
Sub-standard 4a: Connecting with Children and Families
Standard 5: Becoming a Professional