COURSE DESCRIPTION

Focuses on historical and present parent education programs and strategies, with special emphasis on effective home-school relations. Deals with early childhood as well as early elementary education programs and issues. Lecture 3 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

The purpose is to present information on and techniques to facilitate positive and cooperative interaction between teachers and parents. The needs, perspectives, and abilities of both parents and teaching staff will be emphasized.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Functional literacy in the English language; reading at the 12th grade level.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. develop strategies for implementing programs for parent involvement in the educational process
2. demonstrate skill in working with parents as partners to ensure the continuity of developmental support at home and school
3. demonstrate understanding of history and trends in parenting programs, and how these effect program options today
4. demonstrate skills which provide support to the healthy family, and develop resources for supporting families in stress

1. Need for parent involvement
2. Historical perspectives of family and school relationships
3. The parent community and family characteristics
4. School-based and home-based programming options
5. Needs of exceptional and abused children
6. Student and school rights and responsibilities
7. Resources for home and school programs

1. Serving as a parent advocate
2. Working with difficult parents