Students discuss the ages and stages of child development from birth through age eight and the role of the teacher and parent in the informal play environment and its impact on the development of the child. Students understand and demonstrate competence in the areas of health and safety, multicultural diversity, the design of appropriate learning environments, and the Code of Ethical Conduct for ECE Professionals. They also develop, implement and assess an integrated thematic curriculum to accommodate the integration of all children, with a focus on children with disabilities in inclusive early childhood settings. A practicum experience is an integral part of this course. Return to the top.
Students focus on the competencies and professionalism of an early childhood education educator.
A supervised practicum in an approved site is required for the course. Students understand and demonstrate the ability to work with children with special needs and from diverse cultures and adhere to ECE Code of Ethical Conduct. Return to the top. This course focuses on the development, issues, strategies, activities, and materials related to the development of young children ages three through eight in the areas of children's literature, mathematics, language, emerging literacy, problem solving, social science, peace education, character development, computer assisted instruction, and science. Students also discuss the nature of special needs with this age group.