SW 561 SW Practice W/Children in Schools_& Therapeutic Settings
SW561: Social Work Practice with Children in Schools and Therapeutic Settings This course will provide social work students with the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to work therapeutically with children and families. Beginning topics will include the importance of early intervention with parents and children and the need to understand the challenges of parenting, stressing strategies to strengthen the parent-child relationship. This theme will continue with an in-depth study of the early attachment relationship, the consequences of trauma on the neurobiological, emotional and social growth and development of children, and the effects of these factors on children's capacity for learning. Emphasis will be placed on the assessment and treatment with young children (preschool through grade 6) in the public school as well as strategies for engaging parents in the school setting. Students will broaden their understanding of the school social worker's role as counselor, educator, consultant and crisis worker on behalf of children and families. Student inquiry and learning will be guided via professional articles, group engagement and hands-on activities. Prerequisites: SW401A; SW411A; SW421A or concurrent enrollment. This course meets the requirement for a clinical practice elective.