This course examines various ways of enhancing the young child's development through promoting positive interrelationships among child care providers, parents, and others in the community. Using an ecological systems framework, the course builds knowledge of the roles of diverse family structures, cultural identities, stressors and supports, economic circumstances, and community characteristics and resources in facilitating child development. Students develop skills needed for communicating effectively with families, facilitating parent education, and promoting family involvement with child care settings as well as utilization of community resources. NOTE: Prior completion of SOSC 675 Dynamics of Family Relationships is recommended.