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.
Learn about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) for children with special needs, including planning IEP/IFSP meetings, setting goals and objectives, writing the IEP plan, legal rights of children with disabilities, and the importance of working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including culturally diverse families, advocates, general education teachers and support personal to meet the social and academic success of each student.
An examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community, and emphasizing historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.
Examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social/emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.
An overview of violence prevention and intervention strategies found in best practice early childhood programs. This course focuses on developing professional and interpersonal skills of educators to respond to diverse children and their families who experience high levels of stress and chronic violence that compromise development and can result in the need for trauma care.
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 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.
Theoretical and practical implications of social identity, oppression and privilege for young children, families, programs, and teaching. Strategies for culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches supporting all children in a diverse society. Self-examination and reflection on social identity, stereotypes and bias, social and educational access, media, and schooling.
Early childhood teachers and paraprofessionals will explore the developmental strengths and needs of young children 0-8 years with special needs using inclusion strategies and techniques for partnering with families.
Introduces the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children?s development and learning. The use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences are emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be discussed, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals.