Course Description
This course will focus on examining early childhood education in seven diverse countries, Australia, Finland, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, Singapore, England, and Italy. Students will compare how the countries’ history and values frame policies and programs for young children, with specific emphasis on curriculum methods and practices. Special consideration will be given to understanding the pedagogical practices of Reggio Emilia, Italy and how those practices can be implemented in the US. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Explain that learning about other countries’ early childhood practices can impact change and improvement.
- Explain the history and evolution of other countries’ values related to young children
- Relate other countries’ values regarding young children to the development of early childhood education and care policies, practices, and services
- Examine each countries’ early learning framework
- Compare and contrast the early childhood education practices
- Discuss the merits and limitations of each country’s early childhood practices
- Recommend ways to improve current policy/practice/services to young children/families
- Explain the Reggio Emilia approach and related concepts such as The Environment as the Third Teacher, project work, observation and documentation, and family engagement.
Course Activities and Grading
Assignments | Weight |
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Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 20% |
Blogs (Week 1-7) | 20% |
Wiki (Weeks 2-7) | 12% |
Reggio Recommendations Paper (Week 6) | 15% |
Compare & Contrast Project (Week 7) | 15% |
Written Assignments | 10% |
Infographic | 8% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Kagan. The Early Advantage I, Early Childhood Systems that Lead by Example. Teachers College Press, 2018. ISBN-13: 9780807759417
- Wurm. Working in the Reggio Way. Redleaf Press. 2005. ISBN-13: 9781929610648
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1,8 | Topics: The Importance of Global Perspectives and The Image of the Child
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2 | 2,3,4,5,6,8 | Topics: Australia and The Reggio Environment
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3 | 2,3,4,5,6 | Topics: England and The Reggio Day
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4 | 2,3,4,5,6 | Topics: Finland and the Reggio Progettazione
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5 | 2,3,4,5,6 | Topics: Hong Kong and Reggio Observation & Documentation
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6 | 2,3,4,5,6 | Topics: Republic of Korea and Family Engagement
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7 | 2,3,4,5,6 | Topics: Singapore and Teacher Qualifications
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8 | 1-8 | Topic: Acting on the New Narratives
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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.