Course Objectives
- Demonstrate that they understand their role as reflective practitioners.
- Gain a historical perspective of early childhood education.
- Describe the major learning theories and their implications for the very young.
- Understand the role of early childhood educators as ethical professionals.
- Identify the ways that teachers can function as child advocates.
- Apply knowledge of child development in planning for young children.
- Appreciate the importance of meeting young children’s needs, interests, and abilities.
- Understand the learning processes in early childhood education.
- Define, and describe developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
- Examine the features of authentic learning.
- Explore learner-centered teaching and learning and explore the cycle of learning.
- Appreciate the role of the environment on children’s behavior and learning.
- Consider the role of play in children’s learning.
- Define and describe high-quality early childhood curricula.