SHAW UNIVERSITY

Department of Education

 

CAD 486

Agencies and Services for Young Children and Families

 

Instructor: Juanita Linton                                                                                                        Phone: (919) 546-8538

 

Office:  TOS/308                                                                                                                    Email Address: jlinton@shawu.edu

 

Office Hours: Mon: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM      Tues: 2:00 AM- 4:00 PM

 Wed: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM       Thurs: 11:00AM- 2:00 PM

 

Semester: Spring 2008                                                                                                           Class Meeting Time: Internet/Group Discussion: Tuesday

                                                                                                                                     

The Conceptual Framework Theme

  

The theme purpose of the conceptual framework undergirding the Department of Education’s program is: to produce graduates who are critical thinking problem solvers with the knowledge, pedagogical, and technological skills, and professional dispositions needs to function as effective teachers in a diverse world.

 

Department of Education Mission Statement

 

The Shaw University Department of Education builds on the knowledge, skills, and values that students acquire through their liberal arts and science foundations.  Candidates graduating from the department will have the specialty area knowledge, professional skills, and experiences that will enable them to function as competent and effective teachers who think critically and demonstrate effective problem-solving skills.

 

Departmental majors may choose a specific concentration from four different specialty areas.  Each student is encouraged to choose one of the specialty areas listed below by the end of his/her sophomore year.

Birth through Kindergarten Education (B-K)

Elementary Education (K-6)

 

Graduate students may pursue a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Early Childhood Education.

 

[The Secondary English Education (9-12) and Secondary Mathematics Education (9-12) programs are housed in the content areas.  The University suspended the Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12) Program, effective in fall 2006.]

 

           

 

 

Department of Education Goals

 

The goals of the Department of Education are:

 

1.to align the institutional mission and goals with state, regional, national, and departmental  standards and requirements; 

 

2.to prepare candidates to work in schools as teachers who know and can demonstrate the content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to help all P-12 students learn;

 

3.to implement an assessment system that collects and analyzes data on applicant qualifications, candidate and graduate performance, and unit operations to evaluate and improve the unit and its programs;

 

4.to collaborate with school partners to design, implement, and evaluate field experiences and clinical practice so that teacher candidates develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to help all students learn;

5.to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum and experiences for candidates to acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to help all students learn;

 

6.to maintain a qualified faculty that models best professional practices in scholarship, service, and teaching; and

 

7.to maintain the leadership, authority, budget, personnel, facilities, and resources for the preparation of candidates to meet professional, state, and institutional standards.

 

NOTE: The mission statement and goals of the Department of Education are aligned with the mission statement and goals of each of its programs.

 

Required Texts

 

Rose, Steven R. & Fatout, Marian F. (2003). Social work practices with children and adolescents. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

 

Additional readings may be assigned in class

 

Livetext

  

General Course Description

 

A close look at agencies and services for young children will be looked at in detail. Field trips to some agencies will be taken and guest speakers will come to discuss their programs. Students will learn how to use these services effectively and to promote the health and well being of young children and their families.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

 

After successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1.      Identify agencies that serve children and families.

 

2.      Refer children and families to an agency that specifically fits their needs.

 

3.      Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and services that are provided by agencies.

 

4.      Demonstrate an understanding of how agencies are funded and are able to serve children and families.

 

5.      Demonstrate knowledge of North Carolina agencies and national agencies.

 

6.      Identify the characteristics of preschool children who could benefit from agencies.

 

7.      Utilize all resources that can help promote the well being of young children and families.

 

8.      Be an advocate for their students, young children, and families.

 

9.      Work collaboratively and in a team oriented way with people to come to the best solution for children.

 

Delivery of Instruction

 

The delivery of instruction encourages students to actively participate in dialogue, pose questions and share their own perspectives and views on various issues regarding programs for B – K.  Written activities, reading assignments, case studies, technology and lectures serve as sources for much of the class dialogue.  The activities involving field experiences are a vehicle to assist students to critically reflect and understand the relationship between theory and practice. 

 

Specific NCDPI Standards and Indicators

 

Core Standards and Indicators

Standard 1: Teachers know the content they teach.

 

Indicator 1: Teachers have a broad knowledge of content.

 

Indicator 4: Teachers know relevant applications of the content they teach.

 

Diversity Standards and Indicators 

Standard 3: Teachers work collaboratively to develop linkages with parents/caretakers, school colleagues, community members and agencies that enhance the educational experiences and well being of diverse learners.

 

Indicator 3: Teachers make links with the learners' other environments on behalf of students, by working with in school personnel, and community professionals and agencies.

 

Technology Standards and Indicators

Standard 2: Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.

 

Indicator 4: Teachers plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities

 

Birth –Kindergarten Program Standards and Indicators

Standard 3: Birth-Kindergarten professionals build family and community, partnerships.

 

Indicator 6: Understand the characteristics of effective team functioning and various team models such as multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and trans-disciplinary, especially as they impact interagency relationships and service coordination.

 

Standard 10: Birth-Kindergarten professionals function professionally.

 

Birth-Kindergarten professionals

 

Indicator 5: Serve in the roles as advocate, consultant, collaborator, and team member.

 

Course Requirements

 

This course engages students in thinking about current issues and trends in early childhood education through keeping a Reflective Teaching Portfolio. The course also helps students apply the theoretical base through cooperative learning group activities. 

All assignments should be included in an electronic portfolio as well as in a notebook binder. A copy of your Permission Slip (included in this syllabus) should be included in this portfolio. Assignments must be typed, using a 12 font. Assignments should include a cover page with the student’s name, date, assignment title, course number, and semester. Each assignment should be proofread and free of grammatical errors.  All assignments are be submitted in LiveText (not applicable to non-degree seeking students). Non-degree seeking student will submit their assignments through Blackboard Digital Dropbox. Common rubric stored in LiveText will be used to assess each assignment. Assessed work product will be sent to students via LiveText or Blackboard Digital Drop Box.

For all assignments involving children for the Code of Ethics developed by the National Association of Young Children should be observed, and the Standard of Professional Conduct: Section 0602.

 

  1. Exams.  There will be mid-term and final exams based on class lectures, readings, and presentations. We will follow the University schedule for these exams. (Midterm 10 pt. and Final 10 pts)

 

  1. Family Description (Drawing).  Draw a picture of “family”.  Write a two paged typed paper explaining your picture following the course requirements. The discussion will be based on a previous study of the changing American family. (10 pts).

 

  1. Journal Article Reviews.  Five research-based journal article reviews are required.

Read and report on five current journal articles using the following Shaw University Department of Education format:

             A.  Title of Article:

B.     Author(s):

C.     Journal:

D.     Synopsis:

E.      Subjects:

F.      Instrument:

G.     Findings:

H.     Implication/Application:

I.        Reaction:

 

All journal articles website must be attached to the article review.  Each part in the format for article reviews (A-I) should be addressed. (5 pts).

 

  1. Select Readings.  Selected readings will be assigned.

 

  1. Parent Involvement Program. Visit a Parent Involvement Program other than your    

place of employment. Conduct an interview to determine what methods and activities are used to involve the parents in their agency. Review their agency parent policy and compare to your own school Parent Involvement Policy. In a two page typed paper, report your observations and interview and compare and contrast policies of the two agencies or organization. (10 pts).

 

6        Interagency Field Experience.  Each student will select one agency or organization from a list of human services agencies provided and will arrange and complete one six-hour field experience at the agency or organization. A minimum of three visits is required. The assignment must be completed outside of your organization other than your place of employment. Prior to arranging the practicum with the agency or organization, each student will complete and submit a practicum proposal sheet for approval by the instructor. The students must keep a journal that documents the dates and hours spent in the field experience and detailed the activities the student observed and participated in during the field experience. The journal will describe examples of interagency collaborative practices and how these practices impact services and supports to young children and their families. (15 pts).

 

7        Final Project: Case Study - Interagency Collaboration. Each student will conduct a case study that requires a visit to several community agencies to collect information regarding their services and how they can improve services for the case in question. (10 pts).

 

  1. Library Component.  The librarian from the Curriculum Materials 

      Center will make a presentation to the class to help students with library skills.  

       The presentation will include:

    • How to write, using the APA style (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed.)
    • How to search databases to locate sources
    • How to locate sources in the Curriculum Materials Center
    • Tips on how to use Microsoft Word

 

To provide feedback on this library component, students will be asked to complete an evaluation form.

               

EVALUATION                                                                                                                     

 

Assignment

Points

Journal Articles (5)

25 pts

Family Drawing

10 pts

Case Study

10 pts

Parent Involvement Interview

10 pts

Field Experience w/ presentation

15 pts

Portfolio

10 pts

Midterm

10 pts

Final Exam

10 pts

              

Grading Scale: A     =     90-100

                                                B     =     80- 89

                                                C     =     70- 79

                                                D     =     60- 69

 

Grading will be on a 100-point scale: 100-90 = A (Target); 89-80 = B (Acceptable); 79-70 = C (Acceptable); 69-60 = D (Unacceptable); Below 60 = F (unacceptable)

 

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

1.       Course Readings.  Websites will be given to students to read in addition to the course text.  It is expected that students will read the materials as assignments and tests will be based on the content of the website.  It will be expected that you check Blackboard Assignment section and your e-mail as some articles will be sent to your e-mail address.

 

2.         Attendance.   The class attendance policy of Shaw University is as follows:

Students are allowed as many unexcused absences as the number of times the course meets per week.  For example, in a three-credit-hour course that meets three times per week, the student will be allowed three unexcused absences per semester. 

It is your responsibility to provide an explanation and a university excuse to the instructor.  Absences not approved will lower your grade.  One point for each unexcused absence will be deducted from the total of your final points.

Attendence will be check through Blackboard Discussions. Students are responsible for participating in the assigned topic discussion weekly. Students have 24 hrs to complete the discussion on the assigned day.

 

3.         Tardiness. You are expected to be on time and participate in Blackboard Discussion within the given time limit.  Points will be deducted for late arrivals and/or early departures.

 

4.         Written assignments and Projects.  All projects are expected to be completed and

            turned in by the assigned due date.  Assignments turned in late will be accepted                   

            only if your instructor has been notified and agrees to the late submission.

 

5.         Tests.  If you miss a test, you must produce a university excuse.  A day at the end of the semester will be scheduled for make-up tests.

 

6.         Cheating/Plagiarism.  Cheating is the practice of fraudulent and deceptive acts for

            the purpose of improving a grade or obtaining course credit.  Plagiarism is a                  

            specific form of cheating that consists of the misuse of the published and/or

            unpublished works of another by representing the material so used as one’s own

            work.  The acts of Cheating and/or plagiarism will lead to receiving an “F” on the

            assignment and the filing of a report with the Dean.

 

7         Classroom Decorum Expectations.  To enhance the learning atmosphere of the    

classroom, students are expected to dress and behave in a fashion conducive to learning in the classroom. More specifically, students will refrain from disruptive classroom behavior (i.e., talking to classmates, disrespectful responses to teacher instructions; swearing; wearing clothes that impede academic learning such as but not limited to, wearing body-revealing clothing and excessively baggy pants; hats/caps, and/or headdress. Students will turn off telephones prior to entering the classroom. Students who exhibit the behaviors described above, or similar behaviors will immediately dismissed from class at the third documented offense. The student will be readmitted to class only following a decision by the department chair. The student may appeal the decision of the department chair to the Dean of the College offering the course, and, subsequently, to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and then to the President of Shaw University. The decision of the President will be final. Failure to follow the procedures herein outlined will result in termination of the appeal, and revert to the decision of the department chair.

 

 

 

8.         Code of Professional Practices and Conduct (Checklist of Indicators).

Each student is expected to participate actively and professionally in class discussions and other applied in-class activities.  This includes communicating with others through Blackboard. It is expected that every participant will treat others with respect even when disagreeing with ideas or viewpoints presented.  Regular attendance is a class requirement due to the many activities that will take place in class through Blackboard. Regular attendance is also a University requirement. Absences will lower your grade.

 

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

 

  • Last day to drop courses without a grade:  Jan. 22, 2008
  • Final Exam: May 6, 2008

 

TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE

 

Date

Topics and Reading

Assignment Due

1/15/08

Introduction to class (classroom  Chat)

Conceptual Framework Standards, Professional Disposition, Code of Ethics Standards

Self Evaluation of the Conceptual Framework

 

Census Data Forms

Work Sample Permission Form

 

 

1/22

History and Social Policies Shaping Practices with Children and Adolescents

Discussion Board

1/29

Cultural Communities and Families

Family Description/Drawing with Report

2/5

Contemporary Social Issues Affecting Children and Adolescents in Family Systems

Interagency Proposal

2/12

The Process of Helping Children and Adolescents

Case Study Discussions

Class Meeting

2/19

Assessing the Competencies and Difficulties of Children and Adolescents

Journal Article #1

2/26

Theories, Strategies, and Techniques for Practices

Parent Involvement Program Interview

3/4

MIDTERM

 

3/11

Methods and Practices in School Systems

Journal Article #2

3/18

Methods and Practices in Mental Health Agencies

Journal Article #3

3/21-3/30

SPRING BREAK

 

4/8

Methods and Practices in Child Welfare Agencies

Journal Article #4

4/15

Methods and Practices in Child Welfare and Agencies

Journal Article #5

4/22

Interagency Collaboration

Interagency Collaboration/Field Experience Presentation

5/6

Final Exam

Case Study Project/ Portfolio

(final product)

 

Bibliography

 

Aslin, E. (1969).  The aesthetic movement:  Prelude to art nouveau.  New York:  Praeger.

 

Bredekamp, S. (Ed.).  (1997). developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood

 programs serving children from birth through age one (Rev.ed.).  Washington,

 DC:  National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

 

 Colbert, C., & Taunton, M. (1992).  Developmentally appropriate practices for the

 Visual arts education of young children.    NAEA Briefing Paper.  Reston, VA:

 National Art Education Association.

 

Danielson, C. & Abrutyn, L.  (1997). An introduction to using portfolios in the

            classroom.  Alexandria, VA:  Association for Supervision & Curriculum

            Development. 

 

Day, M. (Ed.).  (1997).  Preparing teachers of art.  Reston, VA:  NAEA.

 

Di Leo, J. (1970.  Young children and their drawings.  New York:  Brunner/Mazel

            Publishers.

 

Edwards, C., L. Gandini, & G. Forman, eds. (1993).  The hundred languages of children:

            The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.    Norwood, NJ:

            Ablex. 

 

Feeney, S., & Moravcik, E. (1987, September).  A thing of beauty:  Aesthetic

            development in young children.  Young children,  6-15. 

 

Hughes, F.P. (1995).  Çhildren, play & development (2nd ed.).  Boston:  Allyn & Bacon.

 

May, R. (1975).  The courage to create.  New York:  W.W. Norton.

 

Mayesky, M. (2002).  Creative activities for young children (7th ed.).  Clifton Park, New

            York:  Delmar Pub. Inc. 

 

Kulp, C.N. (199, September).  Looking for patterns.   Teaching K-8, 68-69.

 

Schiller, M. (1995, March).  An emergent art curriculum that fosters understanding.

            Young Children, 50(3), 33-45.

 

Szekely, G. (1991).  Discovery experiences in art history for young children.  Art

            Education, 44(5), 41-49.

 

Torrance, E.P. (1970).  Encouraging creativity in the classroom.  Dubuque, IA:  William

            C. Brown.

 

Websites:

www.EarlychildEd.delmar.com

www.si.edu

www.vadm.org

www.hocm.org

www.cm;p.ucr.edu/Sundays

www.sanfrancisco.sidewalk.com