EDUC 130 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

This course is designed to increase the student's understanding of various curriculum models and approaches in Early Childhood Education. Techniques for implementing and evaluating these models and approaches will be presented through lectures, videos, classroom activities, classroom visits, field placements and guest speakers. Furthermore, the student will explore some contemporary issues and problems affecting young children and learning, such as stress, sexism, homelessness, abuse, neglect and poverty. Students are required to complete 15 hours of Field Experience outside of class time. Students are placed in a Howard County Public School or may use a K-3 school where they are currently employed.

Credits

3

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. Identify how society's views of childhood change over time and from culture to culture.
2. Outline major theorists' educational philosophies and identify how these ideas have affected early childhood practice today.
3. Discuss the developmental needs of children at different stages and give examples of how early childhood programs accommodate those needs.
4. Observe a variety of early childhood programs and compare components of the programs to each other and to historical models.
5. List the characteristics of high quality early childhood programs (birth through third grade).
6. Explain the role of early childhood programs in building strong supportive relationships with families.
7. Identify and discuss major contemporary issues affecting the lives of young children.

Course Objectives

1. Identify how society's views of childhood change over time and from culture to culture.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   1. Describe the theories and principles of child development and learning, and apply the theories and principles to classroom teaching.

2. Outline major theorists' educational philosophies and identify how these ideas have affected early childhood practice today.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   1. Describe the theories and principles of child development and learning, and apply the theories and principles to classroom teaching.

3. Discuss the developmental needs of children at different stages and give examples of how early childhood programs accommodate those needs.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   1. Describe the theories and principles of child development and learning, and apply the theories and principles to classroom teaching.

   Degree: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   5. Demonstrate understanding of content areas and apply developmentally appropriate approaches to enhance children’s learning and development.

4. Observe a variety of early childhood programs and compare components of the programs to each other and to historical models.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   3. Use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way.

   Degree: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   6. Identify and explain the models of classroom and behavior management.

5. List the characteristics of high quality early childhood programs (birth through third grade).

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   1. Describe the theories and principles of child development and learning, and apply the theories and principles to classroom teaching.

   Degree: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   6. Identify and explain the models of classroom and behavior management.

6. Explain the role of early childhood programs in building strong supportive relationships with families.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   4. Demonstrate knowledge of supporting and empowering families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.

7. Identify and discuss major contemporary issues affecting the lives of young children.

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education - Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (Transfer)

   2. Identify the policies, issues, trends, and historical events in the field of early childhood education.