Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College

Revised 08/2026

CHD 216 - Early Learning, Family, Community and Social Change (3 CR.)

Course Description

Explores methods of developing positive, effective partnerships with families to enhance their developmental goals for children. Describes risk and protective factors and identifies community resources. Considers culture and other diverse needs, perspectives, and abilities of families and educators. Emphasizes advocacy and public policy awareness as an important role of early childhood educators. Lecture 3 hours per week

General Course Purpose

To develop the student's skills in working effectively with families, schools, and other professionals and agencies in support of the positive developmental outcomes for children. The course is designed for pre-service and practicing educators teaching children in the early childhood age range, and others who may work in allied fields.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

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

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify diverse types of family patterns, including characteristics and influences
  • Describe the way in which families function as systems within and across communities
  • Distinguish family stressors, typical reactions to stress, and risk and protective factors.
  • Recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the growth of development in children, families, and communities
  • Describe models for family engagement within early childhood education classrooms
  • Formulate strategies for effective communication between home and school
  • Locate community resources, both public and private that support and empower families
  • Illustrate the importance of the role of advocacy in early childhood education
  • Identify and apply current State and National standards and competencies as they relate to working with children and families.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Family theories (e.g. Family systems theory, Ecological theory) and application of principles
  • Diversity within families and how this affects relationships with schools
  • The range and role of community service agencies working with families
  • The importance of family engagement and empowerment in early learning settings and schools
  • Ethics, public policy, and social change