Course Syllabus

HFST 2600 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the field of early childhood education. It covers the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of early childhood education, as well as current trends and practices. The course focuses on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of young children, and provides students with an understanding of the importance of play and hands-on learning in early childhood. The course also covers topics such as child observation and assessment, and family involvement.

Justification

The field of Early Childhood Education is changing. Interest in readiness, universal preschool, early academics, and standards and assessment for the early years brings excitement and challenge to the profession. The possibilities for early childhood education professionals are endless and exciting. Pre-professionals benefit from the in-depth study of professionalism, theory, diversity, family-centered practice, developmentally appropriate practice, and technology applied to teaching and learning. This course is articulated with similar courses in the Utah System of Higher Education to include CHF 2600 at Weber State University, EDEC 2600 at Utah Valley University, FCHD 2600 at Utah State University, ECED 3910 at Southern Utah University and FCS 2600 at Dixie State College.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Identify programs and philosophies that will assist students in formulating personal benefits about early childhood education by investigating and analyzing various curriculum models and displaying their investigation into early childhood education.
2. Students will be able to reflect on chapter readings and demonstrate understanding of the information contained in the assigned chapters.
3. Identify learning characteristics of children and appropriate teaching strategies in the early childhood age.

Course Content

Understanding and applying developmentally appropriate practice. This will be accomplished by utilizing a series of instructional techniques. Some of these are structured and scaffolded learning.This course will include the study of:• Continuity and change in early childhood education.• Building a tradition of excellence. • Applying what we know about children’s learning and development.• Adapting for individuals’ differences.• Embracing a culturally and linguistically diverse world.• Building effective partnership with community and families.• Creating a caring community for learners: guiding families.• Teaching to enhance learning and development.• Planning effective curriculum.• Assessing children’s learning and development.• Teaching children to communicate: language, literacy and the arts.• Teaching children to investigate and solve problems: mathematical, science, and technology. • Teaching children to live in a domestic society: social-emotional learning and social studies. • Teaching children to be healthy: physical development and health.• Putting it all together in practice: making a difference for children.