CYFS 410 - Social Justice in Child, Youth, and Family Studies

5.0 Credits
Course examines principles of inclusion and effective interactions with diverse populations, with respect of culture, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities. Theoretical foundations are analyzed to provide professionals in early education and social services with anti-bias strategies that address power, privilege, voice, marginalization, and oppression to transform social structures to strengthen societal equity for children and families.
Prerequisite Admission to BAS Program.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Examine the development of social identities in children, youth, and families, and how they are impacted by social justice and equity.
Analyze the complex dynamics of culture, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities, in societal struggles affected by prejudice and bias.
Examine professional goals to increase awareness and understanding of: one’s own social identity, human connections and differences, biases related to advantages or disadvantages, and advocacy for social justice.
Construct strategies that recognize and address the effects of overt and covert oppression, power, and privilege that impact the lives of children, youth, and families.
Formulate how early learning and social services programs move beyond stereotypes and biases to actively promote an environment of belonging and safety, inclusive of all children, youth, and families.
Determine the role of an early childhood educator or social services provider to educate children in anti-bias learning, and educate youth, families, colleagues, and community partners about institutional prejudice and discrimination.
Defend a professional philosophy of social justice for programs that support children, youth, and families that promote and reflect societal equity.