You will learn how to become an effective member of an early childhood educator team. The course content focuses on determining individual interaction styles and personality styles, assertion skills, conflict management and group problem solving. You will practice communicating in an effective and professional manner.
You will study the developmental milestones from conception through the stages of infancy, toddlerhood to age five. The course provides an introduction to the theories of learning and personality, brain development and methods of studying human behaviour, including indigenous world views. You will learn about the effects of heredity and the environment, including culture, on the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children and behaviour.
You will design a responsive and culturally relevant curriculum for young children through the exploration of authentic materials. You will practice implementing a variety of developmentally appropriate experiences.
You will explore the elements of curriculum design with a focus on the Project Approach. You will acquire knowledge about emergent curriculum using a holistic approach in designing a responsive and culturally relevant program.
Your studies will focus on the role of the early childhood educator as it relates to current issues, advocacy, leadership and professionalism.
The course is a continuation of Play in Early Childhood Education. You will use play theory to plan developmentally appropriate programs, plan indoor play environments, and to examine outdoor play environments.
You will apply a variety of observation methods and tools used to collect an ethical, objective and holistic view of a child.
The course continues the study of children with diverse abilities by addressing developmentally appropriate programming for young children with diverse abilities. You will study assessment, individualized planning and program planning in inclusive settings.
You will be introduced to the administrative knowledge and skills that are useful for early learning and care programs. You will study operating structures, policies, and procedures related to the administration of early learning and childcare programs, including indigenous early learning and childcare programs. You will develop skills in using program evaluation tools.
You will examine additional approaches for guiding children who present more challenging behaviours.