Course Description
This course will focus on the development and learning of children from birth to age 8. Students will explore historical perspectives, theories, and current practices in early childhood education. Other topics include child development, play, learning environments, curriculum, family and community engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion, health, safety, nutrition, and professional ethics. Through discussions, readings, and assignments, students will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of early childhood education and the role of educators in supporting all young children's growth and development in diverse contexts which include children with developmental delays and disabilities. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Charter Oak State College uses the ‘Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators’ to develop its students for work across a variety of early childhood settings. The Student Learning Outcomes (SLO’s) listed below reflect the Professional Standards and Competencies that are focused on in this course. For a full list of the Professional Standards and Competencies, visit the NAEYC website.
Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to:
- Articulate the characteristics of effective early childhood educators, emphasizing the importance of being a reflective practitioner, engaging in continuing education and professional growth, and making ethical decisions. [Standards 6a, 6b, 6d, 6e]
- Describe the historical context, theoretical foundations, and importance and role of inclusion in early childhood education. [Standards 1a, 6a]
- Explain typical developmental milestones and learning processes across all developmental domains (physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional) for children from birth through age 8. [Standard 1a, 1b, 1c]
- Identify characteristics of effective learning environments, including Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP), including strategies for incorporating play and promoting health, safety, and nutrition. [Standard 4b, 4c]
- Discuss strategies for engaging families and communities in supporting all children's learning and development, including effective communication and the use of professional communication skills and technology-mediated strategies. [Standards 2a, 2b, 2c, 6c, 6d]
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, and including in early childhood education. [Standards 1b, 1c, 2a, 4c, 6b]
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1 - 8) | 25% |
Blogs (Week 1 - 8) | 25% |
Assignments (Weeks 1 - 8) | 25% |
Final Project / Key Assessment (Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
- This course uses Open Educational Resources (OER). OER are openly licensed, educational resources that can be used for teaching, learning and research. OER may consist of a variety of resources such as textbooks, videos and software that are no cost for students.
- This course uses an Open Educational Resource (OER) that has been adapted or remixed.
- Barresi, J. D. (Ed.). (2024). Introduction to Early Childhood Education (Version 1.2). Adapted from Washington State Early Childhood Faculty (2021). Licensed under CC BY.
Course Schedule
Week | NAEYC Professional Standards | Course Topics | Readings / Assignments |
1 | 1 | Topic: Becoming a Reflective Practitioner
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2 | 2 | Topic: Historical Perspectives of ECE
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3 | 3 | Topic: Child Development Birth to Age 8
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4 | 4 | Topics: The Value of Play
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5 | 4 | Topics: Learning Environments and Curriculum
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6 | 5 | Topics: Family and Community Engagement
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7 | 6 | Topics: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in ECE
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8 | 1 | Topics: Professional Development and Ethics
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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.