Early Childhood Education - ECE 180

Course Description

This class explores the importance and complex characteristics of diverse families and communities. There will be a focus on identifying needs of families and strength-based methods through which those needs are met. Emphasis is placed on understanding the importance of child protection and the impact of abuse and neglect. This is a program required service learning course. Michigan Central Registry Clearance by the Michigan Department of Human Services is required for this course. This course requires all students must meet the requirements of a criminal background check.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Identify the circumstances that establish eligibility for child and family welfare services.
• Identify the types of child and family welfare services available to children and their families.
• Explain services available within the local community for families focusing on human services, basic needs, foster care and adoption.
• Appraise the potential impact of abuse and neglect as it relates to the development of the child.
• Justify the Child Protection Law and Mandated Reporting of Suspected Abuse and Neglect.
• Outline the requirements for mandated reporters of the Child Protection Law.
• Summarize the complex characteristics of diverse families and communities.
• Determine the responsibilities of an advocate for children.
• Demonstrate professional behavior.
• Relate typical development of persons' birth through adolescence.

Course Schedule