ECED& 105 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education

5 Credits

This introductory course offers a comprehensive exploration of early childhood education (prenatal to age eight), including theories and practices for providing developmentally responsive, equitable care and education. Students will explore the historical context of early childhood education, the professional and ethical responsibilities of early childhood educators, and the array of early learning programs serving the diverse needs of families and children.

Course Note Formerly EDUC 101.
FeesEducation Fee

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer Online
Fall Day, Online, Weekend
Winter Online, Weekend
Spring Online, Weekend

Designed to Serve Professional-technical students in early childhood education or paraeducation, and current practitioners. Transfer students as emphasis area credit or transferable elective.
Active Date 20260408T14:54:36

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 36
Shared Learning Environment Yes
Contact Hours: Lecture 55
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
ProfTech Course Yes
Transferable Elective Yes
PLA Eligible Yes

Course Outline

Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Children and the world today, current issues and trends
The importance of relationships as the foundation
Children and play
Early Childhood perspectives, history and the impact on current issues
Theories of Early Childhood Education; explanations, applications and critiques
Early Childhood Programs
Children and Culture
The observation, assessment and teaching cycle
Partnering with families and community
Policy Issues and Early Childhood Practice
Early Childhood Code of Ethics

Student Learning Outcomes
Explain how current theories and ongoing research in early childhood care and education support the diverse needs of all children.

Describe the significant role of play across diverse early learning environments to scaffold learning.

Explore different types of early learning models, and approaches to creating anti-bias, culturally responsive, inclusive and trauma informed learning program for young children.

Examine strategies for developing culturally responsive and equitable partnerships with families.

Explain how the teaching cycle, which includes observation/assessment, curriculum planning, reflective practice, and collaboration, meets the diverse needs of all children.

Discuss professionalism and advocacy within early childhood education, and how to apply the NAEYC Professional Code of Ethics to dilemmas in the field.

Examine major historical figures, events, and under-recognized advocates that shape today’s early childhood education issues, trends, and the role of teachers.

Explain effective and equitable guidance practices utilized in early childhood education that are trauma-informed, healing-centered, and that reflect an anti-bias/anti racist approach.