ECE 292 - Early Childhood Education: Theory to Practice

8.25 Contact Hours, 4 Credits
2 lecture periods 6.25 lab periods


Practical experience in an early childhood education setting. Includes developmentally appropriate practices, assessment implementation, portfolio development, child advocacy, and self-evaluation. Includes 100 hours of documented practice with children from birth through pre-kindergarten, with significant focus on developing teacher skills, integrating early learning standards and working effectively with families and professionals. Also includes fieldwork practice under the direction of a supervising practitioner and program faculty.

Prerequisite(s): ECE 115 , ECE 125  , ECE 211  , ECE 226 , ECE 228 , and ECE 251 .

 
Information: Consent of instructor or program coordinator needed before enrolling in this course. A fingerprint clearance card is required for placement. Some placement sites may require additional documentation. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) key assessments found in prerequisite courses must be completed to enroll in this course.
  

1. Review principles, knowledge, and developmentally appropriate practices in an early childhood setting (NAEYC 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).
2. Design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate teaching strategies and plans that promote successful learning in field experience. (NAEYC 1a, 1b, 1c, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5a, 5b, 5c).
3. Compile a professional work sample (NAEYC 6a, 6b, d).
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics and core principles of the early childhood education profession (NAEYC 6a, 6b, 6d). 
5. Engage in informed advocacy for children and the profession (NAEYC 6e).
6. Develop, implement, and self-evaluate 100 hours of required fieldwork (NAEYC 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 6d). 
7. Demonstrate the goals, benefits and uses of systematic observation, documentation, and assessment (NAEYC 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d).

1. Early Childhood Principles, Knowledge, and Practices
   1. Community of learners
   2. Families
   3. Teaching
   4. Assessment
   5. Curriculum
2. Developmentally Appropriate Practices
   1. Adaptations for children with differing abilities
   2. Lesson Plans
3. Professional Work Sample
   1. Resume
   2. Parent-community-family communication artifact
   3. Samples of lesson plans
   4. Certificates
   5. Statement of philosophy
4. Professionalism
   1. Code of conduct
   2. Ethical standards and professional guidelines
   3. State and national requirements
   4. Arizona early learning standards
   5. NAEYC standards
5. Children’s Advocacy
   1. Professional affiliations/organizations
   2. Laws and regulations
   3. Accreditation organizations
6. Fieldwork
   1. Journal/self-evaluation
   2. Detailed teaching plans
   3. Code of ethical conduct
   4. Documentation
7. Observation, Documentation, and Assessment
   1. Standardized assessment tools
   2. Record keeping