Creativity and Play in Early Childhood Care and Education

Catalog description

Planning for play, creativity and exploration in programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Includes focus on home/childcare links. HD FS 232 Creativity and Play in Early Childhood Care and Education (3) This course, intended for current or future providers of early childhood care and education, examines the development of play and creativity in 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 addresses the potential of play, creativity, and exploration in the optimal development of a child. Content includes the development of play, creativity, and aesthetics. The course emphasizes adult-child interaction styles and activities that encourage, enhance and expand play, exploration and creativity in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers throughout the daily care and education routine. There is an emphasis on effective communication with families regarding the benefits of play and open-ended activities. It requires weekly experience with young children.Each student will develop a portfolio that demonstrates understanding of the development of play, exploration and creativity in the early years, as well as competence in planning for and enhancing that development. The portfolio will also show evidence of competence in communicating with parents and families.In addition to the portfolio, the student will develop an activity card file containing ideas for developmentally appropriate play and creative activities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Each student will participate in individual and group presentations related to course topics, and will take tests covering reading and other class material.The course will be offered once each academic year, with an enrollment of 15-25 students.