With its strong theoretical research foundation, this text emphasizes the vital role of families and communities in young children's education--and the partnerships that early childhood educators must forge and foster to assure that children receive the highest quality care and education possible. The first section provides an understanding of families and contemporary issues that they face, covering such areas as family diversity, developmental issues, family strengths and functions, parenting and family stressors. The second section emphasizes skills and dispositions that teachers must develop in relation to building partnerships. Current research and best practices are incorporated throughout, including new information on inclusive environments, community schools, the importance of home language to families, children's learning at home, and other topics. Theory into Practice Suggestions (TIPS) and case studies provide practical insight that will help as you build your own partnerships in your community. The fifth edition is in press and will be published in late 2012 or early 2013.
Editors Sharon M. Ballard and Alan C. Taylor bridge the gap between research and practice by examining and presenting key strategies for working with diverse populations, including those based on race and ethnicity, family structure, geographic location, and context. By defining 11 diverse groups and presenting their strengths and unique cultural characteristics, the editors present an evidence-based practice approach with each chapter, prescribing the best practices for working with these diverse groups in regard to general family life education (FLE) needs, educator characteristics, ethical considerations, marketing and recruitment, modes of learning, and environmental considerations. This book is essential for students who are preparing to work with families, as well as professionals engaging in FLE activities with diverse populations.
Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America presents a forward thinking, open approach to Human Sexuality for today's student. The new lead authors, Bill Yarber and Barbara Sayad, continue to bring their research experience to the book while maintaining the engaging writing style that original author Bryan Strong brought to this best-selling text for years. The first text to achieve a full integration of cutting-edge research with a contemporary "sex-positive" approach, it also strives to represent the modern, diverse world that students encounter outside the classroom. Human Sexuality has been lauded by students and instructors alike for providing the most integrated and non-judgmental view of sexual orientation available.
Marriages and Families: Diversity and Change, 7th edition, challenges students to examine their personal belief systems and societal views. Using an engaging narrative and sociological approach, the text integrates race, class, and gender into the discussion of family experiences. It guides students to make informed choices and decisions about their own marriage, family, and intimate relationships.
An introductory text, Marriages and Families accentuates the positive aspects of relationships and focuses on enriching students' knowledge and experience in building strong, successful couple and family relationships. The authors, seasoned family scholars and therapists, integrate research, theory, and practical applications with an interdisciplinary perspective on marriage and family.
Part of our preparation for NCFR's 75th anniversary conference in 2013 will be the unveiling of the NCFR History project. One of our staff members called my attention to one of the conference panelists from the very first conference in 1938 and showed me an online book of his (scary) ideas. If I hadn't seen some of his work in print, I would have never believed it.
