Early Childhood Education (EDU)

Program Overview

The program prepares students to work with the children from birth through age ten. Employment may be gained in public and private preschools, Head Start, Early Intervention Programs, and public-school settings. Students are prepared to effectively work with co-workers, families and the community.

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Program Outcomes

1. Describe sequences, stages, and milestones of children’s growth and development, social, emotional, and cognitive domains and recognize variations of typical and atypical developmental characteristics of young children from prenatal periods through the age of ten.
2. Preliminary understanding of historical and contemporary theories and research, to include psychoanalytic, behaviorist, Piagetian, Vygotskian, and information processing models, on the characteristics and needs of children from birth through age eight to include aspects of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, language, and aesthetic domains; play, activity, learning process; and motivation to learn. Candidates recognize that developmental domains are interrelated and provide examples of interrelationships among developmental domains.
3. Recognize and articulate multiple influences on children’s development and learning which include the diverse cultural, economic, and linguistic contexts for development; ecological contexts (home, community, support systems, etc.) child’s health status, and disabilities; individual developmental variations and learning styles; and opportunities to play and learn.
4. Demonstrate familiarity with well-known interventions programs such as The Perry Preschool Project, Chicago Parent-Child Program, Head Start and Montessori Method.
5. Cite current research about the influence of early intervention programs on child outcomes.
6. Describe the essentials of developmental research and the principles used as a basis for creating effective learning environments.
7. Acknowledge and value the central role of relationships and efficacy in the promotion of learning.
8. Recognize elements of preliminary early childhood learning environments and opportunities to learn that are healthy, respectful, and supportive.

FYE1110

First Year Experience is required for all students to take in year 1, fall semester. Students must receive a passing grade.

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Class Sequence