Course Description
This course will focus on the history, theory, philosophy, and goals of early childhood education. Topics include the role of the teacher and of the environment as they influence student learning, a variety of early care and education programs, typical developmental characteristics, and what it means to be an Early Childhood Professional. This includes the Code of Ethical Conduct, as well how to meet the needs of individual children, including those with special needs. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to:
- Describe age appropriate and culturally appropriate developmental expectations for the young child. (NAEYC Standard Four, Using Developmentally Effective Approaches, 4a, and 4d)
- Discuss and reflect upon teaching practices and how goals, objectives, and assessments are integral to planning a Developmentally Appropriate program for all children including children with disabilities and other diverse learners. NAEYC Standard Four, Using Developmentally Effective Approaches, 4a, and 4d)
- Relate the key developmental/learning domains commonly associated with child development to early learning and development standards. (NAEYC Standard One, Promoting Child Development and Learning, 1b)
- Investigate, discuss and reflect upon the roles, responsibilities, and essential dispositions of the teacher in an early childhood program. (NAEYC Standard Six, Becoming a Professional, 6a and 6d)
- Examine, discuss and reflect upon ethical concerns related to early care and education issues (NAEYC Standard Six, Becoming a Professional, 6b and 6d)
- Examine and reflect upon the importance of social/emotional relationships between and among teachers, children, and diverse families. (NAEYC Standard Two, Building Family and Community Relationships, 2a. 2b, Standard Four, Using Developmentally Effective Approaches, 4a, 4d)
- Appraise, discuss and reflect upon individualized approaches to discipline using positive guidance strategies for all young children including children with disabilities and other diverse learners (NAEYC, Using Developmentally Effective Approaches, 4d)
- Investigate, discuss and reflect upon early childhood learning environments with particular attention to the safe, healthy, and stimulating settings for the diverse needs of all children including children with disabilities and other diverse learners. (NAEYC, Standard One, Promoting Child Development and Early Learning 1c)
- Investigate the role of all developmental domains, and technology into a holistic, developmentally appropriate curriculum supporting the needs of every child, including children with disabilities and other diverse learners. (NAEYC Standard Four, Using Developmentally Effective Approaches, 4b, Standard Five, Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum, 5a)
- Explain the role of experiences of multicultural, anti-bias curricula, and inclusive learning environments with attention to different learning styles and teaching strategies. (NAEYC Standard Two, Building Family and Community Relationships, 2a and Using Developmentally Effective Approaches, 4a)
- Describe and discuss the history of early childhood care and education including developmental theories, philosophical and sociological perspectives, and the various program models. (NAEYC Standard Six, Growing as a Professional, 6c and 6d)
Compare and contrast different types of early childhood programs and their approached to inclusion. (NAEYC Standard Six, Growing as a Professional, 6c and 6d)
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (20 points each - Weeks 1-8) | 50% |
Assignments (20 points each – Weeks 1,2,4,5,6 and 8) | 50% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
There is no assigned text for this course. We will use articles that will be posted in the weekly modules and in the Course Materials section of our Blackboard course shell.
Course Schedule
| Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 4 | Topics: Becoming a Knowledgeable and Reflective Practitioner Lecture: Welcome and Let Us Begin
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2 | 3,9 | Topic: The Importance of Understanding Child Development Lecture: Placing ourselves and the children we care for in our dynamic contexts
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3 | 5,11,12 | Topic: Early Childhood Teaching Models: History and Theory Lecture: Early Childhood Teaching Models: History and Theory
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4 | 1,2 | Topic: Knowing Each Child as an Individual – Using Observation to Learn about Children Lecture: Knowing Each Child as an Individual – Using Observation to Learn about Children
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5 | 3 | Topic: The Individual Child: The Early Childhood Response to Each Child’s Gifts and Challenges Lecture: Universal Design
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6 | 7 | Topic: The Importance of Play and Intentional Teaching Lecture: Emergent Curriculum and the Importance of Play
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7 | 1,10 | Topic: Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice
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8 | 5 | Topic: Building your plan for professional development Lecture: Professional Ethics and the Importance of Early Care and Education
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.