ECE 103 - Intro to Early Childhood Ed

1. Explain various roles of an early childhood professional
   1. Explore and identify various career options that exist in the field today.
   2. Describe the current educational requirements for various career options.
   3. Examine the goals of professionalism according to the NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation.
   4. Explain the role of teacher dispositions (including cultural awareness and sensitivity) as they relate to professionalism.
   5. Analyze personal motivation for choosing the early childhood field.
2. Describe current issues and evidence-based practices relevant to early childhood education
   1. Define the term inclusion and list examples of how to accommodate diverse learners.
   2. Explore the influences of culture, language, diverse learning styles, community and family in children’s development.
   3. Explain the influence of economic issues and wellness on children’s learning.
   4. Review current public policy impacts on the field of early childhood education.
   5. Identify state, federal and other standards applicable to early childhood programs.
3. Identify philosophers and theorists and how they influence early childhood today
   1. List individuals and events that have had a significant impact on early childhood throughout history and begin to explain their impact on the field.
   2. Explain how society?s view of children has changed throughout history.
   3. Begin to compare and contrast the major learning theories.
   4. Begin to develop a philosophy of early childhood education.
4. Define effective practice and its application in various settings
   1. Describe ages and stages of children birth to age eight.
   2. Explain how developmentally appropriate practices support children’s development.
   3. Compare and contrast the principles of various curriculum planning approaches.
   4. Identify how best practice supports the diverse ethnic, racial and linguistic backgrounds and diverse abilities of children.
   5. Explain how inclusive practices support the unique abilities and needs of children.
5. Identify goals, benefits and uses of assessment
   1. Define assessment and explain the uses of assessment in the classroom.
   2. List and explain how various formal and informal assessment techniques can be used in early childhood programming.
   3. Explain the importance of using assessments that are authentic and developmentally appropriate.
   4. Justify the value of using assessment to guide the planning of meaningful and appropriate curriculum for young children.
6. Describe strategies to promote culturally, linguistically and ability diverse children and families
   1. Explain the benefits of involving families in early childhood programs.
   2. Identify how changes in society and families influence children and early childhood programs.
   3. Develop an awareness of community resources and partnerships.
   4. Define cultural competence and explain how to practice cultural competence in interactions with children and their families.
7. Demonstrate professional skills
   1. Explain the importance of professional work habits.
   2. List professional organizations and opportunities in the field of early childhood.
   3. Begin to explore the professional standards of the field.
   4. Describe the effects of practicing teamwork, collaboration and problem-solving in an early childhood setting.
   5. Justify the importance of utilizing the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct to make responsible and professional decisions.
   6. Begin to develop a professional portfolio to document competency in the field of early childhood education.