BKE 5345 - Social Justice Advocacy and Public Policy in Early Childhood Education

Credits: 3 hrs

The field of Early Care and Education (ECE) is expanding rapidly in line with increasing knowledge about the importance of early brain development and the potential impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences. This course provides students with an understanding of the roles for social justice and public policy in ECE systems and settings. The roles of educators are also expanding; practitioners are now teaming with other professionals from child development, education and behavioral health to support families in creating brighter futures for all children. This course for BKE students is designed to highlight the multiple roles of early childhood educators ina variety of ECE settings and to integrate and enhance micro, mezzo and macro skills for social justice and public policy initiaitves in this complex field. ECE settings include community-based early childhood education programs, schools, early intervention programs, as well as programs in child welfare, mental health and healthcare systems. Just as the scope of services offered in such programs varies, the roles and skills of educators employed in these programs vary. We will focus on parent education, school readiness, family engagment and support, multi-diciplinary collaboration, social justice, quality improvement, policy advocacy and fund development.

Students will assess the changing policy environment for programs serving 0-5 year olds and their families, including the multiple funding streams that support this work and the government, political and administrative entities that oversee this changing field. They will review the science of brain development, which is powering policy and practice change, and examine research on the long-term benefits of participation in high-quality early childhood programs. BKE students enrolled in this course will enhance their practice and advocacy skills through appreciation of the context of research, and policy and culture. Skills will include: collaborating with teachers and program staff; working in multi-disciplinary collaborative environments; and strengthening and supporting families so that they are prepared to advocate effectively for their children’s education and development.
Latest Update(s) Approved by Graduate Council: September 5, 2019