Advocacy and Collaborations with Families

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Advocacy and Collaborations with Families (ECE210)

Synopsis

ECE210 Advocacy and Collaborations with Families introduces students to the changing family structures within the sociocultural context of a globalising and multicultural Singapore society. The aim of this course is to develop a positive set of dispositions towards working with families of diverse backgrounds and cultural beliefs in sensitive and respectful ways, while advocating for the best interests of young children. As such, the course also provides a basic set of collaborative strategies as well as the necessary thinking tools for teachers to generate further ideas for building trusting relationships and promoting a collaborative culture within their own preschool communities.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JAN

Topics

Diverse family structures in contemporary multicultural Singapore
Respecting different cultural beliefs and values in child-rearing practices
Supporting families in their children’s multiple transitions
Understanding barriers to parent involvement
Developing family-centred care and education programmes
Partnership strategies with different types of families
Communicating with families effectively and respectfully
Informative newsletters and other forms of print communications
Promoting collaborative relationships among colleagues and partnering with health, educational and social services within the community
Personal advocacy and public advocacy strategies
Initiating collaborative relationships within the larger educational community
Professional code of ethics – local and international guidelines

Learning Outcome

Explain how changing family structures influence child development and learning in Singapore.
Examine common barriers to home-school collaboration.
Discuss what it means to be an advocate and professional working with families with young children.
Illustrate ways to improve collaborative relationships between home and school.
Analyse early childhood centres’ practices in advocating for and collaborating with families.
Respond constructively to an early childhood education related issue reported in the media.