Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Spring 2026 (660)

Requisites

Admission to Educational Studies and Community Leadership (Bachelor of Science) (EDST-BS)
Early Childhood Education subplan or
Admission to Prekindergarten/Primary Education (age 3 through grade 3) with Infused ESOL and Reading Endorsements (Bachelor of Science) (PKPED-BS)

Course Description

This course introduces the foundations of early childhood education, including key learning theories and early intervention models. Students will examine the role of early education in children's development and explore how these principles inform public policy, governance, and advocacy. The course emphasizes reflective inquiry and collaborative thinking to help students engage critically with current issues in the field.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will explain how views of childhood have impacted the way we care for and educate young children by:
    1. identifying the historical roots of early childhood education.
    2. defining the contexts in which children live.
    3. distinguishing the major disciplines that influence the field.
    4. investigating the major current issues involving early childhood education.
    5. examining their own views of children.
  2. The student will analyze the relationship between theory and practice and how learning theory has influenced early childhood education practice by:
    1. defining developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood programs.
    2. identifying principles of key learning theories.
    3. applying theoretical principles to actual practice.
    4. contrasting the past contexts in which children lived to those of today.
    5. describing why the process of assessing early childhood programs is important.
  3. The student will analyze how early education models influenced children's learning and the environments in which they learn by:
    1. comparing and contrasting theoretical perspectives that relate to child development.
    2. differentiating the evolution of education trends and their influence on early childhood education.
    3. examining central developmental topics of early childhood education models as a means for creating developmentally appropriate practices.
    4. exploring how maturational and environmental factors affect children’s growth and development.
  4. The student will identify their role in supporting and advocating for young children in society by:
    1. defining the characteristics of various advocacy approaches.
    2. describing the essential attributes of early childhood professionalism.
    3. demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the ethical standards of the early childhood profession.
    4. defining the influences that impact families, and early care and education programs.
  5. The student will evaluate the guiding principles of their profession by:
    1. identifying strategies that promote strong partnerships between families, schools, and communities.
    2. investigating techniques that enhance communications between home and school.
    3. analyzing their teaching philosophy and foundational base as a prerequisite for their own development as a teacher.
    4. reviewing their continuous agenda for professional development.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 75% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I 4/28/09, BOT 6/19/09, Effective 20091(0415). Submitted as EEC 3218; SCNS approved as 3009. C&I 3/23/2010, BOT 4/21/2010, Effective 20093(0425). C&I 4/27/2010, BOT 6/15/2010, Effective 20093(0425). C&I 5/25/2010, BOT 7/22/2010, Effective 20101(0430). C&I 9/16/2011, BOT 10/2011, Effective 20112(0450). C&I Approval: 09/16/2011, BOT Approval: 10/01/2011, Effective Term: Spring 2012 (450). C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Fall 2018 (550).
C&I Approval: 06/30/2025, BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Spring 2026 (660)

Related Programs

  1. Educational Studies and Community Leadership (EDST-BS) (665) (Draft)
  2. Educational Studies and Community Leadership (EDST-BS) (660) (Active)
  3. Prekindergarten/Primary Education (age 3 through grade 3) with Infused ESOL and Reading Endorsements (PKPED-BS) (660) (Active)
  4. Prekindergarten/Primary Education (age 3 through grade 3) with Reading Endorsement Apprenticeship (PKPEDA-BS) (660) (Active)