Introduction to Early Childhood Education

• Describe historical contributors and theories that have evolved into current practices, policies, and guidelines regarding early childhood education.
• Define the key roles and responsibilities of early childhood educators.
• Identify characteristics and developmental needs of children in the early childhood learning environment.
• Identify strategies for working effectively with families and community stakeholders.

Setting the Stage for Learning

• Explain how to implement effective small-group and whole-group activities.
• Summarize the needs for organizing the physical environment to support children's learning.
• Identify appropriate behavioral expectations.
• Describe behavior management strategies that effectively influence children's behavior.
• Identify challenges for early childhood programs that may affect children’s learning.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Analyze the domains within the Children's Comprehensive Curriculum.
• Describe a variety of approaches and strategies that can be used in planning curriculum.
• Develop ways to integrate curriculum through imaginary and constructive play.
• Indicate ways in which developmentally-appropriate curricula and best practices can be created.
• Identify differentiated instructional strategies that address the developmental and learning needs of children.

Assessment

• Explain the goals, benefits, and usage of assessment to guide learning and developmental objectives.
• Describe different forms of authentic assessment and evaluation tools to promote positive outcomes for each child.
• Identify the purpose of early intervention strategies and progress monitoring in the assessment process.
• Explain how to evaluate educator and program effectiveness.

Valuing Diversity

• Define how to create and implement a diverse curriculum in early childhood programs.
• Apply understanding of children with exceptionalities to enhance program effectiveness.
• Compare personal and social development of children.
• Identify classroom practices that promote valuing diversity in an early childhood program.