Prerequistie Required Eligibility for English 120 or ESL 151. It provides background in the guidance of children ages 5-12, through knowledge of developmental ages and stages. Students discover the kind of group programs which exist in the community, and analyze the quality environments and activities which safeguard the growth of children. The characteristics of good health and the recognition of the symptoms of communicable diseases are examined. The habits and attitudes essential for physical and mental health of teachers, parents and children are studied.
Special emphasis is made in the importance of relevant play activities.
Behavior of the preschool child in a group situation is studied through weekly observations in early childhood programs and the role of the preschool teacher is examined. Questions arising from field practice experiences are discussed and research is done. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours . The students develop a resource file which includes the locations and services of various community agencies - voluntary, private, and public. Students consider principles of care-giving, and learn appropriate play activities and materials necessary to enhance early childhood education.