ECE 120 Introduction to Early Childhood

Course is designed to provide an overview of the field of early childhood education. It explores career options, types of programs, history, advocacy, and personal qualities of successful child care professionals. Required course for ECE majors.

Credits

2

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe and understand some of the characteristics of the person who works successfully with young children

2. Explore different types of programs and trends in ECE and discuss a preferred approach

3. Describe Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), quality indicators, benefits of play for young children, and the design of the classroom learning environment (both indoors and outdoors)

4. Explore the philosophy of a variety of local ECE programs and identify several elements in order to write their own philosophy statement

5. Describe the historical background of early education for young children and major theorists who contributed to the growth of the field

6. Discuss inclusive practices for children with special needs (rights) in an early childhood classroom and the related laws and regulations that support children and families

7. Apply the Code of Ethics from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in situations related to the education of young children