Course Essentials

• This course examines the processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community, and the influence of multiple societal contexts. Students explore the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, from birth through adolescence. Students are required to observe children in a group setting. 

• Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100 

Below is a list of specific skills this course is designed to guide you towards obtaining. Each learning activity and assignment you complete in this course will contribute to your growth towards meeting these goals. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

• • Describe socialization of the child focusing on the interrelationship of family, culture, teachers, and community.

  • Describe strategies for collaboration with families to support children's development and learning that are respectful, reciprocal, and engaging.

  • Identify community resources to support children and their families.

This is a zero textbook cost course, meaning no book purchases are required. We are using a free OER (Open Education Resource) textbook. 

• Child, Family, and Community (Ruiz and Laff, 2026). 

  • Links to each chapter will be provided in the course. I'll also provide a download option if you'd like to save it to read offline.

  • You do not need to purchase a book! If you prefer a printed version, you may purchase one from LibreText.

• There will also be a few readings found in PDF form and available through the course's Canvas shell and/or links to them on the internet. Be sure to read those as well, as they will contain useful information not always discussed in the textbook chapters. They are also free of cost.

• Read: Chapter 1 -Theories That Help Us Understand Families

• Become familiar with APA citation format

• Prepare for the Setting Goals Assignment by considering the following: 

  • Online classes require discipline and attention to detail. We are all busy, and the week can get away from us. Scheduling a specific time when you'll be "in" class is an effective strategy for success. To that end, please identify which days of the week and times you are planning to be "in" class completing readings, posting to the discussion, working on assignments, etc?

  • What are your learning goals for this class? What specific concepts or ideas are you hoping to learn, related to teaching young children (principles and practices)?

  • What specific steps will you take to meet the goals you identified above? (Think about study habits, learning behaviors, etc.)