ECED& 105: Intro Early Child Ed

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Class Program
Early Childhood Education
Credits 5 Lecture Hours 55
Explore the foundations of early childhood education. Examine theories defining the field, issues, and trends, best practices, and program models. Observe children, professionals and programs in action. Course may include fieldwork. (Formerly: ECE 100)
Quarters Offered
Fall,
Winter,
Spring
Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:

Outcomes are aligned with the Washington State Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals and the National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards.
  1. Explain current theories and ongoing research in early care and education.
    Core Competencies: Area I: Child Growth & Development: 3f-Area VII: Professional Development-Professionalism-3b.
    NAEYC: Standard 6: Becoming a Professional Key Elements 6c, 6d.
  2. Describe the role of play in early childhood programs.
    Core Competencies: Area I: Child Growth & Development-1f, Area II: Curriculum & Learning Environment-2i.
    NAEYC: Standard 1: Promoting Child Development & Learning Key Element 1c., Standard 2: Building Family & Community Relationships Key Elements 2b, 2c.
  3. Compare early learning program models.
    Core Competencies: Area VII: Program Planning & Development-Evaluation-3a, Area VIII Professionalism: 2e, 3a, 3e, 3f.
    NAEYC: Standard 4: Using Developmentally Effective Approaches to Connect with Children & Families Key Element 4.d.
  4. Explain the importance of building culturally responsive partnerships with families.
    Core Competencies: Area IV: Family & Community Partnerships-Relationships With Families-1b, 2i, 3b, 3c, 3d.
    NAEYC: Standard 2: Building Family & community Relationships Key Elements 2a, 2b, 2c, Standard 6: Becoming a Professional Key Element 6b.
  5. Identify appropriate guidance and discipline techniques used in family and early learning settings.
    Core Competencies: Area VI: Interactions-Individual Guidance-1b, 2d, 2f, 2i.
    NAEYC: Standard 1: Promoting Child Development & Learning Key Element 1c, Standard 4: Using Developmentally Effective Approaches to Connect with Children & Families Key Element 4a.
  6. Describe the observation, assessment, and teaching cycle used to plan curriculum for young children.
    Core Competencies: Area VII: Program Planning & Development-Environment-2j, Area VIII: Professional Development& Leadership-Displaying Professionalism-3a.
    NAEYC: Standard 4: Using Developmentally Effective Approaches to Connect with Children & Families Key Element 4.d, Standard 5: Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum Key Element 5.c, Standard 6: Becoming a Professional Key Elements 6.a, 6.b, 6.c, 6.d.
  7. Apply the professional code of ethics for early care and education to resolve dilemmas.
    Core Competencies: Area VIII: Professional Development & Leadership-Displaying Professionalism-1g.
    NAEYC: Standard 6: Becoming a Professional Key Elements 6.a, 6.b
  8. Describe major historical figures, advocates, and events shaping today’s early childhood education.
    Core Competencies: Area VII: Program Planning & Development-Evaluation-3b, Area VIII: Professional Development & Leadership-Leadership & Advocacy-3c.
    NAEYC: Standard 4 Using Developmentally Effective Approaches to Connect with Children & Families Key Element 4.d, Standard 6 Becoming a Professional Key Elements 6.a, 6.b
Course Content Outline
  1. The Teacher
  2. The Field of Early Childhood Education
  3. History and Educational Models
  4. Child Development
  5. Observing, Documenting, and Assessing Children
  6. Relationships and Guidance
  7. Health, Safety, and Well-Being
  8. The Learning Environment
  9. Understanding and Supporting Play
  10. The Curriculum
  11. Curriculum Planning
  12. Including Diverse Learners
  13. Partnerships with Families
  14. Becoming an Early Childhood Professional
Department Guidelines
  1. Course may include, but not limited to the following activities:
  2. Student presentations on various topics outlined in textbook
  3. Washington State Early Learning Guidelines
  4. Summaries of articles from professional journals, magazines, or websites
  5. Quizzes/assessments of student’s knowledge
  6. Observations in early learning environments
  7. Interviews of early childhood professionals
  8. Reflections of student learning
  9. Review of NAEYC Standards and Code of Ethical Conduct
  10. Review of Washington State Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals
  11. Video clips to reinforce specific skills