Signature Assignment Title: Quality Childcare Programs

*Signature Assignment**

Throughoutthis course, you have researched many topics related to creatingsupport for families of young children and creating a strong tie betweenhome and school. For this signature assignment, you will take all thatyou’ve learned as well as additional research to create a final essayand presentation. Outside research is required, and you are encouragedto carefully read and review all of the articles and videos provided inthe ‘Learning Materials’ section for this week.

Step 1: Write a comprehensive essay in which you discuss the following:

• The state of childcare in America Today
• Characteristics of quality childcare/early care programs
• Working with families to create a sense of community

Theessay should be 2000 words and should address each of the requiredprompts in Step 1. Be sure to completely answer all requirements ineach prompt. Separate each section in your paper with a clear headingthat allows your professor to know which bullet you are addressing inthat section of your paper. Make sure to reference five (5) citationsusing the APA writing style for each reference. Include a cover page anda reference page, which do not count towards the minimal word amount.

Step 2: PowerPoint

Createan electronic presentation that includes information from throughoutthis course related directly to working with families to createhome/school partnership. You may include any topics we’ve addressed inthis class throughout the course that relate to this, including but notlimited to the following:

• The value of creating partnerships with families and the benefits to students
• Specific research-based ways that teachers and schools can build a successful partnership with families
• Three concrete examples of activities that teachers can do to demonstrate to families that they are valued