Course Description

Surveys and discusses various models and theories of early childhood education programs including current trends and issues. Reviews state licensing and staff requirements. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

To familiarize the student with perspectives and philosophies of early childhood programs including an awareness of how both history and present day issues impact program design and curriculum choices.

Course Prerequisites/Co-requisites

Functional literacy in the English language; reading at the 12th grade level; basic computer skills.

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• Describe historical and philosophical bases for early childhood education programs
• Explain the importance of early childhood education to later learning
• Discuss the practical components of early childhood education, such as licensing standards, sponsorship, regulation, and evaluation
• Evaluate developmentally appropriate practices in model early childhood programs
• Articulate a framework for culturally relevant, multicultural, and anti-bias education
• Distinguish variations in early childhood programs for children with typical and non-typical development
• Analyze parents’ roles in early childhood education
• Explain current political and social factors affecting early childhood education programs
• Identify and apply learning Standards as they relate to history and philosophy of early childhood education programs: Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals

Possible Assignments Include: (Subject to change each semester. The actual assignments are available in the Syllabus in the Blackboard course site on the first day of classes.)

Your final grade may be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass all exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments.

There are 2 exams in this course.

Last Updated: February 18, 2016