Program Overview:
The Early Childhood Education Program is designed to prepare students for continuing education in preparation to be public school teachers and/or child care providers in family and group care settings. Students completing the course sequence of study may articulate community college credit and/or qualify for the Level 2 Maryland Child Care Credential.
As a result of participating in the program, students will know theories and practices that are essential for individuals working with children in family child care homes and child care centers including:
- Child development
- Curriculum
- Professionalism
- Community
- Special needs and
- Health, safety, and nutrition
Students will study the physical, cognitive, psychological, and social growth and development of children.
Students will use conceptual framework for understanding the role of the early childhood professional and the variety of related services in the field of education in the context of society with an emphasis on current issues, trend, and practices.
Students will study the design and implementation of preschool curriculum with emphasis on language development, mathematics, science, and the arts.
Students will be introduced to the field of infant and toddler child care in family and group care settings by exploring the design and implementation of age-appropriate activities and routines.
Courses
Child Development
This course defines the major concepts and sequence in the development of a child between conception and adolescence. Students will gain understanding of the importance of prenatal development and its effects on early childhood development. Students will study child development in stages of physical, motor, language, psychosocial, moral, and more. Students will develop and apply search strategies to access information from educational databases and other electronic sources to identify and compare theories that influenced the study of child development.
Early Childhood Learning Experience (Optional)
This course is an optional capstone experience where students are placed in supervised training experiences in an agency or institution relevant to early childhood education. Students will earn the Maryland Child Care Credential by completing the 90 clock hour requirement for Core Knowledge Equivalents in child development, curriculum, health, safety and nutrition, special needs, professionalism, and community.
Infant and Toddler Care
Prerequisite: Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Child Development
Students receive an introduction to providing a healthy and safe environment for infants and toddlers in a care program. Daily care routines and group activities are developed and practiced. Students will be able to explain the stages of development in children from birth to 2 years. Students will practice effective communication with parents. Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood care is stressed.
Introduction to Early Childhood Education
This course introduces students to the major roles and responsibilities of an early childhood educator. Students will study major theories, developmentally appropriate curricula, equipment, schedules, teaching styles, and current research in education.
Preschool Child Care
Prerequisite: Introduction to Early Childhood and Child Development
This course helps students develop a greater understanding of planning guidelines within a preschool curriculum. Students will develop and maintain an appropriate physical environment for activities for young children by implementing room arrangement practices in relation to safety and use of learning centers. This course includes developing and implementing appropriate curriculum including activities and opportunities to promote the physical development (gross and fine motor skills), intellectual, and social-emotional growth of young children.