Early Childhood Education

Explore the foundations of early childhood education. Examine theories defining the field, issues and trends, best practices, and program models. Observe children, professionals and programs in action.

Introduction to implementation of equitable health, safety and nutrition standards for the growing child in group care. Focus on federal Child Care Block Grant funding (CCDF) requirements, WA State licensing and Head Start Performance standards. Develop skills necessary to keep children healthy and safe, report abuse and neglect, and connect families to community resources.

In an early learning setting, engage in establishing nurturing, supportive relationships with all children and professional peers. Focus on children's health and safety, promoting growth and development, and creating a culturally responsive environment.

Examine the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Study the role of the caregiver, relationships with families, developmentally appropriate practices, nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and culturally relevant care.

Plan and provide home visits and group activities. Promote secure parent-child relationships. Support families to provide high-quality early learning opportunities embedded in everyday routines and experiences.

Develop administrative skills required to develop, operate, manage and improve early childhood education and care programs. Acquire basic business management skills. Explore resources and supports for meeting WA state licensing and professional NAEYC standards.

Investigate learning theory, program planning, tools and methods for curriculum development promoting language, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive and creative skills and growth in children birth through age 8 utilizing developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive practice.

Collect and record observation and assessment data in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group, and the community. Practice reflection techniques, summarizing conclusions, and communicating findings.

An exploration of principles, methods, and materials for teaching children music, movement, visual arts, and dramatic play through process-oriented experiences to support divergent thinking. Students will learn theories, techniques, and curriculum design in order to offer a wide variety of developmentally appropriate art media to children and create a comprehensive visual and performing arts curriculum.