Course Syllabus
Course: HFST 2600
Division: Social and Behavioral Science
Department: Education and Family Studies
Title: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Semester Approved: Spring 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
End Semester: Fall 2028
Catalog Description: This course provides an overview of the field of early childhood education. It covers the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of early childhood education, as well as current trends and practices. The course focuses on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of young children, and provides students with an understanding of the importance of play and hands-on learning in early childhood. The course also covers topics such as child observation and assessment, family involvement, and diversity and inclusiveness in the classroom.
Semesters Offered: Fall
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: HFST 1500 - Human Development or Instructor Approval
Justification: The field of Early Childhood Education is changing. Interest in readiness, universal preschool, early academics, and standards and assessment for the early years brings excitement and challenge to the profession. The possibilities for early childhood education professionals are endless and exciting. Pre-professionals benefit from the in-depth study of professionalism, theory, diversity, family-centered practice, developmentally appropriate practice, and technology applied to teaching and learning. This course is articulated with similar courses in the Utah System of Higher Education to include CHF 2600 at Weber State University, EDEC 2600 at Utah Valley University, FCHD 2600 at Utah State University, ECED 3910 at Southern Utah University and FCS 2600 at Dixie State College.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Identify programs and philosophies that will assist students in formulating personal benefits about early childhood education by investigating and analyzing various curriculum models and displaying their investigation into early childhood education. This outcome will be met by students through a written assignment accompanied with a PowerPoint presentation that will be assigned and evaluated by the instructor.
Students will be able to reflect on chapter readings and demonstrate understanding of the information contained in the assigned chapters. Students will meet this outcome through written essays assigned and evaluated by the instructor.
Identify learning characteristics of children and appropriate teaching strategies in the early childhood age. This outcome will be accomplished through observation of children in early childhood settings, writing assignments, and chapter quizzes/exams assigned and evaluated by the instructor.
Content:
Understanding and applying developmentally appropriate practice. This will be accomplished by utilizing a series of diverse instructional techniques. Some of these are structured and scaffolded learning.This course will include the study of:• Continuity and change in early childhood education.• Building a tradition of excellence. • Applying what we know about children’s learning and development.• Adapting for individuals’ differences.• Embracing a culturally and linguistically diverse world.• Building effective partnership with community and families.• Creating a caring community for learners: guiding families.• Teaching to enhance learning and development.• Planning effective curriculum.• Assessing children’s learning and development.• Teaching children to communicate: language, literacy and the arts.• Teaching children to investigate and solve problems: mathematical, science, and technology. • Teaching children to live in a domestic society: social-emotional learning and social studies. • Teaching children to be healthy: physical development and health.• Putting it all together in practice: making a difference for children.
Key Performance Indicators:
Assessment for this course includes:
Written Assignments 35 to 55%
Class Discussions 15 to 25%
Class Exams and Quizzes 30 to 45%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Bredekamp, S. Effective Practices in Early Childhood Education: Building a Foundation. (current edition) Upper Saddle River: Pearson.
Pedagogy Statement:
The pedagogy for this course is centered on the belief that all students have the potential to learn and succeed given the right conditions and opportunities. This course aims to create a learning environment that is inclusive, supportive, and challenging, where students are encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and engage in critical thinking. Students are given opportunities to apply what they have learned, reflect on their own understanding, and collaborate with their peers. This approach not only helps students develop a deeper understanding of the material, but also fosters important life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. This course is guided by the goal of helping students become lifelong learners who are confident, curious, and capable of making a positive impact in the world
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 35
Optimum Class Size: 24
