Apr 16, 2026  
MCOs for Faculty and Staff 
    
MCOs for Faculty and Staff [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

ECED& 105 - Intro to Early Childhood Education


Credits: 5
Explore the foundations of early childhood education. Examine theories defining the field, issues and trends, best practices, and program models. Observe children, professionals, and programs in action.
Course Outcomes:
 
  1. Explain current theories and ongoing research in early care and education.
  2. Describe the role of play in early childhood programs.
  3. Compare early learning program models.
  4. Explain the importance of developing culturally responsive partnerships with families.
  5. Identify appropriate guidance techniques used in early care and education settings.
  6. Describe the observation, assessment, and teaching cycle used to plan curriculum for all young children.
  7. Apply the professional code of ethics for early care and education to resolve dilemmas.
  8. Describe major historical figures, advocates, and events shaping today’s early childhood education.

Course Topics:
 

  1. Overview of the early childhood profession
  2. Historical contexts of early childhood education, including events, people and theories
  3. Understanding how a child develops and learns
  4. Developmentally appropriate practice
  5. Play in early childhood
  6. Guiding young children
  7. Working with parents, families and communities
  8. Diversity and young children
  9. Planning the physical environment, indoors and outdoors
  10. Activity planning, observation and assessment
  11. Early childhood curriculum that enhances: physical, social, emotional, cognitive, language and literacy development
  12. Using creative arts to support development and learning
  13. Technology and the early childhood classroom

LEC Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
Course Attribute(s): PT Human Relations
OEE Permitted: No
Grading Basis: Graded
Instructor/Department Consent Required: No Consent
CIP Code: 13.1210
Default Section Size/Cap: 30
Quarter(s) offered:
  • Fall