ED100: Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Catalogue Description: 3 units

This course provides an overview of early childhood education. Emphasis is on providing prospective infant/toddler and pre-school teachers with the basic knowledge and skills that enable them to work effectively in pre-school classroom or center-based childcare settings. Focus is on meeting the Child Development Associates (CDA) national standards for certification. The history of early childhood education will be explored, along with discussion of current social and political trends that affect the future of childcare and education of young children in America. The course will examine the thirteen basic modules of CDA. Emphasis will be on providing safe, healthy, and stimulating learning environments for young children. Students will participate through online web-based instruction and assessment integrated with preschool and infant/toddler center-based childcare fieldwork and observation.

Text

Feeny, S, Christensen, D., & Moravcik, E. (2001). Who Am I in the Lives of Children? An Introduction to Teaching Young Children. 6^th Edition. Merrill Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

Fieldwork CDA Self-Instruction and Assessment Manuals

Dodge, D. T., Dombro, A.L. & Koralek, D.G. (1991). Caring for Infants and Toddlers. Volume I. 4^th Printing, 1999. Teaching Strategies, Inc. Washington, D.C.

Dodge, D. T. Koralek, D.G. & Pizzolongo, P.J. (1996). Caring for Preschool Children. 2^nd Edition. Volume I. 4^th Printing, 2000. Teaching Strategies, Inc. Washington, D.C.

Purposes of the Course

Students will:

Examine the certification expectations of the Child Development Association (CDA) and gain an understanding of the thirteen CDA training modules.
Discover the historical and theoretical roots of early childhood education.
Review current social, political, and educational trends of American infant/toddler and pre-school programs in America.
Gain an understanding of the teaching profession and determine a personal philosophy of early childhood education.

Course Objectives:

Students will

Demonstrate knowledge of the significant events in the history of early childhood education.
Demonstrate understanding of the importance of the profession of early childhood education and the impact of effective childcare on society.
Explore basic learning theories related to infant/toddler and pre-school teaching and learning.
Develop knowledge understanding of the Child Development Associate (CDA) national certification modules: safe, healthy, learning environment, physical, cognitive, communication, creative, self, social, guidance, families, program management, professionalism.
Learn techniques of observation of young children and early childhood professionals in order to guide personal practice.
Develop an awareness of the importance of teaching young children in terms of fostering social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Demonstrate understanding of relationships between teacher, parent, family, community, and the individual child.
Develop a personal philosophy of teaching.
Explore books, references, media, electronic, and online resources useful for improving teaching and learning.
Create a classroom management plan that engages children in learning and provides a positive environment for the development of physical, intellectual, and social skills.
Demonstrate competency in establishing a positive learning environment for infant/toddlers and pre-school children.
Establish familiarity with the Child Development Association (CDA) certification expectations and complete self-assessments.