6 semester credits

Early childhood professionals understand that building reciprocal relationships with children’s families and community members is essential to promoting positive outcomes for children. Whether early childhood professionals intend to impact positive social change by working with children and families in early childhood settings or in related professions, understanding the complexities of such relationships and the skills of relationship building are essential. The focus of this course is on research-based knowledge of family dynamics and the vital role relationships play in children’s lives. Special attention is paid to relationship building through the lens of cultural responsiveness and by studying how identities are defined and evolve related to ethnicity, race, economic class, gender, and sexual orientation. Education professionals are challenged to delve deep into issues related to risk factors such as trauma, poverty, bias, stereotyping, and homelessness as well as to study factors that support resilience.