General Information

• Name: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Discipline: Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Units (Credits): 3
• Schedule History: See when this course was offered over the last three years.
• Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
• Academic Division: Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service
• Prerequisites: None

Course Outline

I: Catalog Course Description

Introduces students to early childhood education. This course includes the history of child care, regulations, types of programs, legal issues, professional opportunities and current trends and issues. Emphasis is placed on the role of the preschool teacher in enhancing the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of preschool-aged children.

II: Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the components of a good day for children.

• Demonstrate ability to plan for children's developmental needs including, social, physical, creative, cognitive and language skill development.

• Develop strategies for maintaining an emotionally healthy environment for children, building positive parent/teacher interaction and integrating exceptional children.
• Explore the history of Early Childhood Education including developmental and learning theories.
• Review professional organizations that support Early Childhood Education and Human Development and Family Studies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of environmental arrangement supported by developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Recognize program types, funding sources and public/private status.
• Understand the importance of community resources and how they relate to healthy children and families.

III: Course Linkage

Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

This course meets one of the requirements for the A.A.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education and the Certificate of Achievement. It is designed to allow students to meet the program outcome of knowing the subject matter appropriate to Early Childhood Education. Students will also be aware of community child and family service agencies in the community, learn the importance of advocating for children at the community and legislative level, and understand the benefits of participation in early childhood professional organizations.

Linkage to General Education Mission and Outcomes
Students who complete this course are expected to demonstrate they:

Communication
• have college-level skills in reading, writing and oral communication appropriate to their degree and/or emphasis.

Analysis
• have effective and efficient learning skills, including the location and evaluation of information.

Personal Development
• Work effectively with others.

Community Commitment
• know the basic principles and processes of government at the local, state, national and international levels.
• understand and apply social science principles, including an appreciation of participation in civic affairs.
• understand the importance of cultural traditions, diversity, and ethics in the modern world.