ECE 118 - Foundations of Early Childhood Education

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

A survey of the historical and philosophical foundations of early childhood education. Includes historical and contemporary influences; pedagogy; agency management of early childhood programs; early childhood assessment; and professional responsibilities.

Information: CDA 102, CDA 121, and CDA 271 together constitute ECE 118. Students must have college-level reading and writing skills to be successful in ECE courses.

Course Learning Outcomes

Identify and explain historical and contemporary influences on the development of early childhood education. (NAEYC 1b, 5c, 6e)
Examine influential early care and education pedagogies. (NAEYC 1c, 4c)
Research entities involved in the organization, management, and monitoring of early childhood programs (NAEYC 2b, 5c, 6e).
Examine the appropriate uses of various types of observation and assessment tools. (NAEYC 3a, 3b, 3c)
Engage in reflective practices to examine personal and professional responsibilities. (NAEYC 4d, 6e)

Outline:

Historical and Contemporary Influences
1. Key theorists and contributions
2. Legislation and public policies
3. Instructional trends
4. Universal pre-school
Influential Education Pedagogies
1. Reggio Emilia
2. Waldorf
3. Montessori
4. Head Start
5. Project approach
6. High/scope
Role of Private and Public Agencies in Early Childhood Programs
1. Organization
2. Management
3. Monitoring
Observation and Assessment Methods
1. Formal
2. Informal
Professionalism
1. Influence of prior learning experiences
2. Professional standards and ethics
3. Personal educational philosophies