Families, School and Community Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

TECA-1303-001 Families, School and Community

Prerequisites

Course Description

A study of the child, family, community and schools, including parent education and involvement, family and community lifestyles, child abuse and current family life issues. Course content must be aligned as applicable with State Board for Educator Certification Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities standards and coincide with the National Association for the Education of Young Children position statement related to developmentally appropriate practices for children from birth through age eight. Requires students to participate in field experiences with children from infancy through age 12 in a variety of settings with varied and diverse populations. The course includes a minimum of 16 hours of field experiences.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

Hours

(3 sem hrs 3 lec 1 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

1.  Beginnings & Beyond: Gordon/Williams/Browne - 11th Edition (The Book)

Click to Access AC Bookstore

Supplies

Supplies

• Computer/laptop with Internet access to Blackboard Learning

• Beginnings & Beyond Book 

• Personal comprehension tools (highlighters, pencil, paper, pens, computer, etc)

• NOTE:  Clear your CACHE regularly so your online systems will function properly

Student Performance

End-of-Course Outcomes: 

Identify characteristics and issues relating to diverse cultures and caregiving lifestyles. 

Analyze ways in which factors in the home and community (e.g. parent expectations, availability of community resources, community issues) impact learning, including an awareness of social and cultural factors to enhance development and learning. 

Identify and apply strategies to maintain positive, collaborative relationships with diverse families (e.g. families with children with disabilities, poverty, single-parent, cultural, homelessness, dual-language learners). 

Investigate community/educational resources (e.g. dentist on wheels, library programs, GED programs, family education programs, Early Childhood Intervention Strategies) to empower families to support children’s development. 

Recognize signs of abuse and neglect and describe ways to work effectively with abused and neglected children and their families. 

Explain the importance of family involvement/home-school relationships in education. 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

As part of this course, a criminal background check will be required to complete the 16 hours of observation.  As a student observer, you understand and agree that you must provide a driver's license, social security number, and date of birth to facilitate a background check. 

• Active Learner:  Take part in the course regardless of setting.  You are responsible for due dates.  Please look at your learning as professional growth, not just a grade!

• Proactive:  Be proactive to situations that occur rather than reactive.  Please promptly let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  Use your Blackboard Calendar to stay organized.

• Academic Integrity:  Work honestly for your own benefit.  Make sure all required signatures are from the valid, certified personnel.  Ensure you provide proper citations for the work of others, including AI.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) NEVER replaces YOU!  However, you may use AI as a resource and/or tool for your development as an educator.  When AI impacts your ability to think critically, you are NOT using it as a resource and/or tool, and it defeats the purpose of the course!

  • You will earn a zero on any assignment or portion of an assignment that is not properly cited using APA formatting.  When you use AI, it MUST be cited… (AI Generator Used, topic, date generated)-Example: (ChatGPT, classroom management, February 11, 2023).

• Punctuality: ALL ASSIGNMENTS are due on or before the due date. A maximum of 70% will be earned if submitted within 7 days of the original due date.  Zeros will remain in the gradebook after a week has passed.  The 7 day policy does not apply to your final.

When Observing:  Wear some form of identification.  You represent Amarillo College and yourself, be professional and dress professionally.  Be gracious to the educators allowing you time to observe in their classroom.  DO NOT use technology of any kind during your observation.  Take anecdotal notes with pencil and paper.   (TECA 1303)

Grading Criteria

All assignments are valued, therefore equally calculated. 

NOTE:  The 16 Hour observation is required to pass the course.

Grading Scale

• A =100-90

• B = 89-80

• C = 79-70

• D = 69-65

• F =  64-0

Attendance

• Attendance will be taken during each face to face meeting.  Your attendance is vital to your success in this course.

• A zero will be given for not attending.

• You will be expected to attend 3 class meetings (See Calendar below)

• Amarillo College West Campus - Allied Health Building - Room 139

  Tues. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - 11/3/2026
  Tues. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - 11/17/2026
  Tues. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - 12/8/2026

• Our classes will be interactive and engaging.  

Calendar

Additional Information

Fall 2 (Attendance on 11/3, 11/17, and 12/8) - Enhanced Online 

SPECIAL NOTE:  The above calendar will help you stay on track.  Please contact me if you ever have any questions.

16 HOURS OF OBSERVATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS COURSE. 

As part of this course, a criminal background check will be required to complete the 16 hours of observation.  As a student observer, you understand and agree that you must provide a driver's license, social security number, and date of birth to facilitate a background check.