EEP417 Rights of the Child (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Education Studies (EDSTD)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject will provide an understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and explore Canada's recognition of these rights at federal, provincial, and municipal levels. The roles that early childhood educators play in intervention and as advocates for children as independent bearers of rights are examined. The professional, legal and moral aspects of child protection, to maximize children's well-being and developmental potential in early childhood settings are reviewed and extended. Current teaching practices in the early childhood classroom and early childhood field will be explored through the lens of children's rights and in the light of recent policy developments.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Term 1 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Canada | Session 1 |
| Distance | Bathurst | Session 2 |
| Distance | Bathurst | Session 3 |
| Distance | Canada |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: EEP417
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies or as approved by the Course Coordinator.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- reflect upon contemporary perspectives of children and childhood
- understand the content and scope of the UN convention on the Rights of the Child and how this impacts on public policy and current experiences for children in early childhood settings in Ontario and Canada;
- gain a critical awareness of the various factors that contribute to the violation of children's rights;
- critically reflect on the concept of children being 'at risk' of abuse and neglect;
- recognize and give examples of the factors that contribute to children being 'at risk' of abuse and neglect, currently and in the past;
- defend the rights of the child;
- explain the short term and long term effects of various forms of child abuse;
- evaluate strategies and early childhood programs used in preventative and support services for young children and their families;
- understand their role as advocates for the well-being of children and their families; and
inform and educate children in their care and their parent community about the meaning and importance of the UN convention on the Rights of the Child.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- contemporary perspectives of children and childhood - UN convention of Rights of the Child, (1989) in conjunction with the Charter of Rights, Freedoms in Canada and the Canadian Criminal Code - examining the gap between the promise of children's rights and their continuing denial - being proactive in protecting children's rights - consulting with young children, the practice of adults making decisions for young children - factors leading to children's vulnerability, abuse and neglect: adult/child power relationships, socio-cultural, economic and political factors, systems and institutional abuse - identification of various forms of abuse and neglect - short term and long term effects - evaluation of child protection programs for working with young children in early childhood settings in Canada/Ontario - review of professional roles and responsibilities, legal requirements and moral obligations of early childhood educators for intervention for abuse and neglect.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.