Introduction to laws, regulations, standards, curriculum, policies, and procedures related to health, safety, and nutrition for all children. Components that ensure physical health, mental health, and safety for children and staff and the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. Focus on integrating concepts into planning and program development.
Demonstration of early childhood teaching competencies under guided supervision. Practical classroom experiences linking theory and practice, professionalism, and comprehensive understanding of children and families. Child centered, play-oriented teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum as students design, implement and evaluate experiences for development and learning for young children. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.
Children's interactions and their relationship with teachers; dynamics of social interaction in the context of child growth and development; motivation and management of children's social behavior; working in childcare settings; current trends in care.
Introduction to relationship-based care in infant/toddler programs supported by current brain development research. Curriculum planning is based on observation, meeting infants/toddlers' needs and providing positive guidance. Focus is on primary care, continuity of care, and individualized care in small groups.
An exploration of violence and its impact on the physical and psychological well-being of children, families, early childhood teachers, and others. Emphasis is on early relationships and how they affect a child's worldview, plus practitioner self-care and multi-cultural awareness.
A brief introduction to infant/toddler curriculum with an emphasis on the significance of how infants and toddlers learn. The importance of quality care, relationships, and planning curriculum and environments that meet the needs of young children in a Family Child Care (FCC) setting will be addressed,
Theoretical perspectives & historical contexts of developmentally-appropriate practices applied to environments & programs for children from birth through age eight. Examines the role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, & teaching strategies in supporting development across all domains for all children, including those from diverse backgrounds (culture, learning styles, special needs). Evolution of professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, and professional identity.
Introduction to basic issues in special education TK (transitional kindergarten-12 including legal rights of children with disabilities and their families, Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), disability sensitivity and awareness, inclusion, collaboration strategies and community resources.
Overview of sensory motor development in young children; developmentally appropriate sensory motor activities and experiences; and the relationship of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development to brain development in young children.
Advanced content for administrators and directors in effective administration, supervision and management of early childhood programs. Emphasis will be on financial management, governance, data-based decision making, and human relations.