Guidance in Early Childhood Care and Education

Catalog description

Positive guidance methods for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, leading to self-control and social capability. Includes focus on home/childcare links. HD FS 231 Guidance in Early Childhood Care and Education (3) This course, intended for current or future providers of early childhood care and education, examines guidance methods for use with young children. It is required for the proposed Early Childhood Care and Education option to the associate degree in Human Development and Family Studies.The course emphasizes the use of guidance techniques that help children grow in independence, responsibility, self-control, and ability to function as group members. It addresses organization and guidance methods that foster the child's responsibility, independence, positive social interactions and emotional self-control. While the course covers various types of guidance, it emphasizes responding to children with respect and acceptance, using positive discipline. Since guidance is an area in which families and teachers frequently must confer, this course also deals with the use of effective parent-teacher communication skills. It requires weekly experience with young children.Each student will produce a portfolio demonstrating understanding of guidance techniques and their theoretical backgrounds. In addition, portfolios will demonstrate evidence of competence in analyzing the early childhood care and education environment in terms of its effect on young children's behavior, as well as competence in solving environmental problems that contribute to guidance issues. Portfolios will also demonstrate evidence of competence in communicating with parents and families about guidance issues. Students will reflect, in writing, on their own use of developmentally appropriate guidance techniques in their work with young children.The course will be offered once each academic year, with an enrollment of 15-25 students.