Family & Community Relationships

Early Childhood Education Certificate

Take a single Early Childhood Education course or earn a certificate. Complete any four of the seven-week, 3-credit Early Childhood Education courses (12 credits total) to earn a certificate. Taught by Dr. Marcelo Juica, these continuing education courses explore contemporary topics in early childhood education and provide educators with research-based knowledge and practical strategies to support diverse learners. Courses are offered each fall and spring, allowing participants to complete the certificate at a pace that fits their schedule.

This Course: EEC132: Family & Community Relationships

This course explores the critical role of family and community engagement in supporting young children's development and learning, with attention to building respectful, culturally responsive partnerships with diverse families. Students examine strategies for communication, collaboration, and advocacy that strengthen the connection between early childhood programs and the families and communities they serve. By the end of this course, students will be able to: identify strategies for building effective partnerships with families and communities; apply culturally responsive practices when engaging diverse family structures; develop communication plans that support ongoing family involvement; and advocate for resources and policies that benefit children, families, and communities.

For any questions about course content, please contact the course instructor, Dr. Marcelo Juica -- MJuica@lasell.edu.

This section of EEC132: Family & Community Relationships runs 10/22-12/10 in the Fall 2026 term. Students may enroll in the course up until 10/27. For any questions about enrollment or Lasell Professional Studies, please contact profstudies@lasell.edu

About the Instructor: Dr. Marcelo Juica

Dr. Marcelo Juica is a higher education leader with over 25 years of experience in administration, educator training, and program development, with a career centered on eliminating systemic inequities and expanding educational access for marginalized communities, particularly immigrant and undocumented college students. Originally from Chile, he teaches and communicates in English and Spanish, and can assist Portuguese speakers as well, and has extensive experience in education, curriculum and instruction, classroom technology, and research supporting educators in both public classroom and early care settings. Dr. Juica brings technology innovation to working with students virtually, and all his courses can be completed either synchronously through live discussion or asynchronously at the student's own pace. He holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Boston University, along with a Ph.D. from Lesley University..