Examines the theories and principles of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood preschool programs and environments. Explores age appropriate programming which promotes physical, cognitive, language, literacy, and creative development in preschool-age early education and care settings. Emphasis is on active involvement of children in concrete experiences. Environments, equipment, routines, and child guidance techniques developmentally appropriate for children ages 3 - 5 are discussed.
Students seeking the Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification may use this course as a part of the required 120 in class clock hours of instruction.
Suggested sequence of courses for the Preschool CDA: CHD-201, CHD-202 and CHD-206.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Students will provide developmentally appropriate care for preschool children 3-5 years of age.
- Muti-Cultural Curriculum
- Articulate the importance of multi-cultural curriculum in the preschool classroom.
- Create multi-cultural lessons which reflects a comprehension of differing cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Collaborating with Diverse Families
- Collaborate with program children and their families.
- Demonstrate respect for diverse family and community characteristics.
- Positive Guidance and Classroom Management
- Discuss positive guidance and classroom management strategies.
- Demonstrate preventive strategies which relate to positive guidance.
- Apply positive guidance techniques appropriate for preschool children ages 3-5.
- Observation and Assessment of preschool children
- Identify goals, benefits, and uses of observation and assessment in the preschool classroom.
- Classify and interpret developmental growth of preschool children through the use of formal and informal assessment tools.
- Creativity in young children
- Compare process-oriented experiences to product-oriented experiences.
- Analyze the teacher's role in supporting creativity in preschool children.
- Learning through play
- Explain the importance of play in early childhood education.
- Discuss the relationship between play and developmental growth in all domains.
- Identify and implement appropriate learning activities across multiple content (learning) areas focusing on children 3 - 5 years of age.
- Create and evaluate developmentally appropriate play based on curriculum and experiences, being responsive to observation and assessment information from young children.
- Developmentally Appropriate Classroom Environment
- Create an age appropriate environment and curriculum which meet the needs of preschool children.
- Explain the importance of guiding daily routines and group activities in the preschool classroom.
- Provide inclusive and diverse learning experiences that respect children with different abilities.
- Provide appropriate care which includes preparing a classroom that supports good health, safety and a positive community environment.
- Supporting Preschool Children's Developmental growth in all areas.
- Compare and contrast physical, cognitive, social, and emotional differences among children ages 3-5 when planning.
- Identify and explain basic health, safety, and nutritional needs of preschool children.
- Emergent Literacy
- Explain the importance of emergent literacy in the preschool classroom.
- Articulate the stages of emergent writing and reading for children ages 3-5.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of academic achievement will include:
- Class Discussion and Participation
- Tests
- Research Paper
- Preschool Portfolio
- Individual & Group Projects
- Reports /Presentations
The following NAEYC Associate Degree Standards are met by this course at the understanding or application level:
1. Promoting Child Development and Learning:
* 1a: Knowing and understanding young children's characteristics and needs.
* 1b: Knowing and understanding the multiple influences on early development and learning.
* 1c: Using developmental knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments for young children.
2. Building Family and Community Relationships:
* 2a: Knowing about and understanding diverse families and communities.
* 2b: Supporting and engaging families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
3. Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families:
*3a. Understanding the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment.
*3b. Knowing about and using observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment tools and approaches.
* 3c: Understanding and practicing responsible assessment to promote positive outcomes for each child.
4. Using Effective Approaches to Connect with Children and Families:
* 4a: Knowing, understanding, and using positive relationships.
* 4b: Knowing, understanding, and using effective approaches, strategies, and tools for early education.
5. Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum:
* 5a: Understanding content knowledge and resources in academic disciplines.
Determined by Program Lead Instructor.