ECE 111 : Introduction to Early Childhood Education

This course will introduce the student to the field of early care and education from a philosophical, historical, socioeconomic, and multicultural point of view. Major theories and models of significant early childhood programs will be examined such as Head Start, Froebel's Kindergarten, Montessori, Reggio-Emilia, and the High Scope Approach. The role of the early care educator, professionalism, and managing successfully in the workplace in accordance with the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) code of ethical conduct. The course will include required field observations of eight hours across the full age span (0 -8) in diverse settings as determined by DEEC. Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Ethical Dimensions, Information Literacy, and Multicultural and Social Perspectives.
1. Identify principles of underlying different early childhood approaches. 2. Analyze the social, cultural, and historical context of early childhood education. 3. Describe the links between theorists, such as Piaget and Vygotsky, on current early childhood education practice. 4. Identify current trends and issues in the early childhood field related to children and families of diverse communities. 5. Explain examples of integrated early childhood education theory in classroom practice.