2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog/Handbook 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog/Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

EDUC 0308 - Early Childhood Curriculum


Credits: 3

This course offers a foundation in early childhood curriculum design, development, and implementation.  Course participants will examine how early childhood educators design and teach standards-based units of study that are anchored in rich content and authentic learning and assessment experiences.  Culturally responsive curricula and teaching practices that convey high expectations and meet the needs of all learners are explored through readings, discussions, and guided activities.  Differentiation and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) practices are applied to a backward design approach to curriculum development.  As part of the course, students apply course knowledge, skills, and understandings in an early childhood field placement.  Course participants create well-structured lessons with measurable outcomes and explore a range of informal and formal assessment methods and teaching approaches.  In their field placement, students practice skills for effective and respectful partnerships with families, and work to create safe and inclusive learning environments that value diversity, empower students as learners, encourage positive behavior, and embrace collaboration with school colleagues and the community.  Throughout the course, students engage in critical reflection relative to their work in both the course and the early childhood classroom.  Students develop the capacity to use observation, anecdotal notes, and feedback from course instructor and supervising practitioner to improve their developing practice and sense of professionalism.  A 30-hour field experience in an approved Prek-2 setting is required.

Prerequisites: A grade of B or better in EDUC 0319  
Pre/co-requisite: GNSC 0360   and EDUC 0302