The health and wellness of the VT-HEC Community is of utmost importance in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. In light of this, we plan to hold this course online with some synchronous online meeting days (see Schedule for dates). We know this is an evolving situation, and as it unfolds there may be other adjustments made to the delivery method, appropriate to the current situation. Thank you for your flexibility.

This course will focus on the characteristics, processes, and roles associated with effective collaboration, teaming, consultation, facilitation, and communication within family, school, and community systems. We will specifically examine strategies for collaboration and consultation with families of children under the age 6 who have special needs and with the professionals and agencies involved in supporting the family and child.

In addition, we will examine family systems theory, diverse family structures, and the role of the family as the primary context for children’s development. The differences among families due to race, culture, language, poverty, and/or composition will be discussed so that early childhood professionals can understand and come to value each family’s unique strengths.