Intro to Child Development and Early Childhood Education

Catalog description

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the rich history and evolving trends in early childhood education and child development. Throughout the program, students will delve into a variety of rewarding career options and understand the professional expectations essential to this field. They will learn diverse and effective techniques for teaching, observing, assessing, and interacting with children from various backgrounds and their families. Additionally, students may be required to participate in weekly field observations within early childhood programs, schools, agencies, or other approved ECE settings, ensuring hands-on experience and deepening their understanding of real-world applications in early childhood education. This course provides students with 45 hours of in-depth training, alongside a curated collection of essential resources, to effectively construct the portfolio required for professional recognition. This portfolio is crucial for applying for the Child Development Associate Credential, which serves as an important milestone in advancing careers in child development and early education. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the council's standards and demonstrate their competence in the field.