Class Descriptions

Observation and Interaction with Young Children and their Caregivers

SW721

Credits:	3
Prerequisites:	None

Pathway Associations

Community Change
Global
Interpersonal Practice	Elective
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political
Program Evaluation
Older Adults
Children & Families	Elective (Host)

Course Description

This course will provide an opportunity to understand the unique developmental needs of infants and young children (0 to 5) and their caregivers. It will examine theories and techniques for observing and understanding infants and young children and their caregivers' behavior and interactions. This course will emphasize evidence-based tools for observation of interactions that address diverse groups of infants and young children in their primary environments (e.g., family and alternative caregiving contexts). Special attention will be given to diversity issues related to understanding the nature of interactions and developing anti-racist practice skills. The course will be divided into classroom and community-based learning opportunities.

Objectives

Students will:
● Develop core skills of MSW students in observation and assessment;
● Through the use of videotapes, observation notes and/or individual feedback, specifically develop expertise to understand and respond to the unique communications of young children, who are much less able to utilize words to express their needs;
● Utilize a multidisciplinary approach including faculty influence from psychiatry, and psychology;
● Consider the behaviors and interactions observed through a multicultural lens, making accurate meaning of what is observed through understanding the child in the context of their caregiving environments, which are influenced by broader societal influences;
● Gain exposure to interacting with parents of young children in a supportive way;
● Gain competency in reflecting on the influence of one’s own experiences in understanding the needs of infants and young children;
● Complete one aspect of training for post-graduate endorsement in infant-family practice

Design

This course involves class lecture, videotape and live interaction with or observation of children and their parent(s) in the community, via involvement with Mom Power, a Research project through University of Michigan, Department of Psychiatry and funded by Medicaid and/or grants. It is a 9 to 10-week attachment-based, supportive, parenting intervention group for high-risk mother-child dyads (0-6 years). In addition to involvement with the project, students will receive guided support (via live interaction guidance as well as weekly observation notes) from the course instructor and, at times, research team members. Students will need to be available for approximately 4 hours, which includes set up, the group, clean up and debrief each week.

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

This course integrates PODS content and skills with a special emphasis on the identification of theories, practice and/or policies that promote social justice, illuminate injustices and are consistent with scientific and professional knowledge. Through the use of a variety of instructional methods, this course will support students developing a vision of social justice, learn to recognize and reduce mechanisms that support oppression and injustice, work toward social justice processes, apply intersectionality and intercultural frameworks and strengthen critical consciousness, self-knowledge and self-awareness to facilitate PODS learning.