North Seattle Community College Cooperative Preschool
Course Syllabus for Parent Education Courses FAM 166-167-168 (Pre-3 Class)
INSTRUCTOR: Name ______Office hours_____
Phone______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. Nutritious snacks and safe environments
2. The role of parent as assistant teacher in the classroom
3. Developmental milestones and appropriate activities
4. Positive discipline techniques
5. Community building
Winter Quarter
1. Small group discussion and implementation
2. Practice information learned/discussed Fall Quarter
3. Family concerns, i.e. sleeping, eating, toileting, separation, etc.
4. Follow through with positive discipline ideas
5. Continuing community building, diversity, and self care
Spring Quarter
1. Growth and change in children – aggressive behavior, social play, etc.
2. Importance of hands-on learning and play
3. What is ahead for children
4. Safety and summer activities
5. Exchange of summer gatherings
Generic Syllabus format – Betty Williams, 8/22/06