Developmental Theory & Practice in Early Childhood Education

Catalog description

Exploration of child development theories as they relate to early childhood education, birth to grade 3. Overview of curriculum and instruction planning in early childhood learning environments. Study of developmentally appropriate practices in all domains and practical applications in group settings, including implications of multicultural perspectives for infants/toddler, preprimary and primary age children. Typically offered Fall. Course Learning Outcomes Aligned with the Professional Preparation Standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the INTASC Standards. The candidate will: 1. Construct understandings of the major theories of child development as they relate to children from birth to age 8 (NAEYC 1; INTASC4); 2. Engage in guided study of children’s development at all stages in an early childhood setting (NAEYC 3; INTASC 1, 2, 3, 6); 3. Articulate the theoretical foundations underlying current practices in early childhood education (NAEYC 1, 4; INTASC 4, 7, 8); 4. Discuss current research about developmental issues in relation to the early childhood setting, especially as outlined in NAEYC’s Developmentally Appropriate Practices –Revised (NAEYC 1, 4; INTASC 4, 7, 8 ); 5. Analyze and evaluate the NAEYC Code of Ethics and reflect upon its impact on current practice (NAEYC 6; INTASC 9). View Class Schedule