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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2015 - 2016

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This module is designed to provide students with opportunities to examine the concept of a partnership and to recognise that in early years settings partnerships involves parents/guardians, families, educators and multi-agency professionals working together to support young children’s development and learning. The roles, responsibilities and functions of the early childhood educator as they relate to contemporary policy in the building of partnerships between educators and parents/guardians are addressed. The communication and interpersonal skills which are recognised as the foundations of effective partnerships in early childhood settings are identified. The challenges of managing and leading in an environment where parents, educators and multi-professional teams work together to share information and expertise, and to make decisions in order to give children rich experiences across settings, is explored

Learning Outcomes

1. Make explicit his/her understanding of a partnership approach as it relates to an early childhood setting
2. Describe the roles, responsibilities and functions of the early childhood educator with particular reference to the policy and legislative context in relation to building positive partnerships with parents/guardians
3. Critically reflect on the challenges of building partnerships with parents/guardians and multi-professional teams
4. Make appropriate professional choices in relation to promoting the well-being and welfare of children as they transfer from one setting to another
5. Communicate effectively and appropriately with parents/guardians
6. Organise and manage meetings with parents/guardians



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture12No Description
Workshop12No Description
Assessment Feedback36No Description
Independent Study65No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

1
Theorising partnership as it relates to early childhood education

2
Exploring the benefits of effective partnerships in early years settings

3
Role of educator in initiating and building partnerships with parents/guardians and multi-professional teams

4
Communication and interpersonal skills for effective partnerships in early childhood settings

5
Educator-parent/guardian meetings

6
Listening to parents, responding to criticism, conflict management

7
Partnership, policy development and legislative requirements

8
Effective transitions between early years settings

9
Partnership in a time of change

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Sue Miller: 2010, Supporting Parents, 1st, 8, Open University Press, Maidenhead, 033524176X
  • Dana R. McDermott: 2008, Developing Caring Relationships Among Parents, Children, Schools, and Communities, 1st, 9, Sage Publications, Inc, London, 1412927862
  • O’Connor, A.: 2013, Understanding transitions in the early years: supporting change through attachment and resilience, 1st, 6, Routledge, Fulton, 0415598583
  • Page, J., Clare, A. & Nutbrown, C.: 2013, Working with babies & children: from birth to three, 1, 8, Sage, LA, 1446209067
  • Margy Whalley: 2000, Involving Parents in their Children's Learning, 2nd, 12, Paul Chapman Educational Publishing, London, 1412935016
  • edited by Tricia David: 1994, Working together for young children, 1st, 15, Routledge, London, 0415092485
  • Anne Edwards... [et al.]: 2009, Improving inter-profesional collaborations, London ; Routledge., 0415468701
  • Statham, J. P.: 2009, A review of international evidence on interagency working, to inform the development of Children’s Services Committees in Ireland., Department of Children and Youth Affairs/Centre for Effective Services, Dublin,
  • Price, D. &Ota, C.: 2014, Leading and Supporting Early Years Teams, Routledge, 0415839203
Other Resources

22086, Moodle, 0, 22087, Video, 0, 22088, Websites, 0, 22089, Case Studies, 0, 22241, Website, 0, Foundation years: Great early years and child care , UK, http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/health-integration-in-practice/partnership-working-integration/, 22242, Website, 0, Child and Family Agency , Ireland, http://www.thejournal.ie/child-and-family-agency-opens-1244676-Jan2014/, 22243, Website, 0, http://www.tusla.ie/about,
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