This course examines the dynamics of family life, family challenges, family stresses, and their impact on child development. The course explores the ecological contexts in which children live, the relationships among families, child care settings, communities, and broader social and cultural systems, and the personal and cultural filters through which early childhood professionals view children and their families. Emphasis is on the current social, political, legislative, and economic status of children and their families and the crises they face. Students will study existing community interventions that support children and their families and discuss the issue of public policy and private advocacy. Prerequisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 5 quarter hours