North Seattle Community College Cooperative Preschool
Course Syllabus for Parent Education Courses FAM 166-167-168 (Pre-3 Class)
INSTRUCTOR:
Name ___________
Phone___________
Office hours_____
Email___________
COURSE TITLE: Parent Education/ Child Study Laboratory: 24-35 months as of August 31
COURSE LENGTH: 3 quarter linked series
CREDITS: 3 per quarter
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students with children, 24-35 months as of the previous August 31,
enroll in Parent Education/ Child Study Laboratory class. Students are required to attend the
laboratory class one day a week with their child, and one evening parent education class/business
meeting each month. Students also fulfill specific obligations of individual classes. Course format
includes lectures, discussions, and laboratory experiences designed to explore developmental
information and practical applications as it applies to 2 to 3 year old child development.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
. To better understand the typical development and temperament traits of the 2 to 3 year old child.
. To select and practice guidance and discipline techniques from a theoretical framework which
are consistent with a personal belief system.
. To identify concerns about parenting 2 to 3 year olds and to evaluate available options.
. To establish, maintain, and supervise a safe, healthy, and creative environment, which stimulates
2 to 3 year old child development both at home and school.
. To recognize one’s current stage in an adult development system and the resulting implications
for parenting a 2 to 3 year old.
. To provide small group activities for 2 to 3 year old children.
. To demonstrate understanding of cultural perspectives, societal expectations, and family values.
. To respond appropriately to individual and cultural differences in approaches to parenting
and parenting techniques.
. To identify and implement strategies for establishing support networks for the parent, child, and
family.
TOPICAL OUTLINE AND/OR MAJOR DIVISIONS: These courses have an emergent curriculum,
meaning that the instructor will plan the specific scheduling of topics based on the assessed needs
of and feedback from the group. Subjects may include: child development, parent-child
interaction, language development, temperament, behavior management and guidance, nutrition,
family challenges, family resources, cultural influences on parenting, self-esteem, sibling
relationships, adult leadership/ democratic practice/ group development, parenting roles, health,
and safety.
REQUIRED TEXT(S) AND/OR MATERIALS: Instructor will provide appropriate handouts and
book referrals for topics covered.
ASSIGNMENTS: Students are expected to demonstrate skills they are learning during the lab
sessions and participate in group discussions in the evening parent education classes.
PARTICIPATION: Student presence and participation is expected and valued. As this is an
interactive class in which students shall learn much from each other, a single person’s
absence will detract from learning and discussion. Please be prompt and come prepared by
reading any materials/doing any exercises that are given beforehand.
EVALUATION/CREDITS: Grades are issued quarterly on a pass /fail basis. Students earn 3
credits per quarter for successful completion of the course. Students are required to attend weekly
laboratory class and the monthly evening class/meeting, and to demonstrate mastery of course
learning objectives. Prior to anticipated absences or after unexpected ones, students plan with the
instructor to determine appropriate make-up assignments. Students missing more than one of the
evening classes during the academic year must make up the absence in order to receive credit for
the class.
SCHEDULE CHANGES: In the event of inclement weather and/or other extreme
circumstances this course follows the Seattle Public School District closure schedule. Other
changes may occur based on site occurrences (e.g. leaks, outages, specific disease, etc.).
Make up classes will be arranged mutually by instructor and class members.
Topics covered/Learning Goals by Quarter:
Fall Quarter
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Nutritious snacks and safe environments
The role of parent as assistant teacher in the classroom
Developmental milestones and appropriate activities
Positive discipline techniques
Community building
Winter Quarter
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Small group discussion and implementation
Practice information learned/discussed Fall Quarter
Family concerns, i.e. sleeping, eating, toileting, separation, etc.
Follow through with positive discipline ideas
Continuing community building, diversity, and self care
Spring Quarter
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Growth and change in children – aggressive behavior, social play, etc.
Importance of hands-on learning and play
What is ahead for children
Safety and summer activities
Exchange of summer gatherings
Generic Syllabus format – Betty Williams, 8/22/06