3.00 Credits
This performance-based course an overview of early childhood education based on current research and theories. Grounded in a constructivist theory but also covering other perspectives, the course focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary school children and working with children with disabilities. The majority of the course examines curriculum and the fostering of creativitiy as well as physical , cognitive, language and social development.Standards and accountability in the field of early childhood education, working with children from diverse backgrounds, and the role of families and forms of parent communication are also included. This course is supplemented with 20 hours of required field experiences in early childhood settings.