Foundations of Parent/Family Education

Apply the historical roots and the development of parent education as a multidisciplinary field.

Determine the evolution of ECFE programs in Minnesota and become familiar with the current legislation and rules that govern ECFE programs.

Examine and compare the different theoretical/conceptual approaches to understanding and studying parenting and parent-child relations and clarify and articulate their own beliefs and values around parenting and parent education.

Apply a variety of evidence-based parenting programs and be able to identify goals and assumptions about parents and children and parenting practices presented in these programs, as well as observing and being able to apply quality indicators to parent programs in Minnesota.

Examine the diversity of family structures and life-styles that form the context for contemporary parenting.

Examine the role of parent and family education programs as resource and support systems for parents and families, including understanding the functions and limitations of evaluation in parent education.

Analyze underlying assumptions about parenting practices as expressed in the popular parenting literature.

Examine cultural and social class differences in parenting attitudes and behaviors and their relation to parent education.

Identify and address ethical issues in the field of parent education.

Identify important trends (social and information technology) that will shape the future of parent and family education.