ECE 599 Family, Community and School Collaboration

3 Credits

In this service-learning course, the complex characteristics of family units and communities are studied. Students, then, utilize that knowledge to create and sustain respectful, reciprocal relationships which support, empower, and involve families at all levels of their children’s development and learning. Students also develop strategies to increase family and community involvement in their schools and learn communicative processes between parents and professionals who work with students with disabilities in all areas of collaborative involvement. Family Systems Theory, Bronfenbrenner Ecological Systems Theory, and other theories and models for family engagement in school settings are focused on. Students will have the opportunity to work with a non-profit agency that supports families in some way. This is a service-learning course and has required service hours.