Module A focuses on establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships based on self-awareness and the dynamics of interpersonal communication. This course offers the learner opportunities to build upon caring interpersonal awareness to enhance connections with children, families and colleagues within the caregiving context. Through group process, students learn the skills of effective problem-solving, conflict resolution and critical thinking as steps to building collaborative relationships in the program environment. This course provides an overview of the field of early childhood education from a philosophical perspective. An ecological approach is used to explore issues such as diversity, personal and professional ethics, legal requirements and other factors relevant to children, families and child care environments.
Students examine anti-bias principles and approaches to working with young children.
By exploring their own adult role in play environments, learners will integrate thinking regarding philosophies of least restrictive environments and inclusionary practices. The focus of this course is on personal wellness and the planning, establishment and maintenance of a safe and healthy environment in programs for children from birth to school age. This course provides opportunities to learn about warm, caring responsive relationships and emotionally safe child-centered environments. Child development theories, from conception to age six, are studied with a focus on emotional, sensory, motor and language development. This course builds on the concepts and theories of ECCE 188 with an emphasis on play theory, social relationships and skills, and creative and cognitive processes in children ages three to six years.