Educational Curriculum for Early Childhood Programs focuses on the principles and practices of designing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum for early childhood settings. The goals of this course are to introduce students to the appreciation and assessment of young children’s thinking, to provide opportunities for students to develop competencies in promoting the learning and overall development of young children both individually and in group settings, and to increase levels of professionalism as early childhood educators. Students will explore how the curriculum supports the physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development of young children from birth through age eight. Emphasis is placed on developmentally appropriate practice, play-based learning, and the integration of literacy, mathematics, science, creative arts, and social studies into meaningful learning experiences. Students will examine state and national early childhood standards, engage in lesson and learning-center design, and use observation and assessment to guide instructional decisions. The course also addresses culturally responsive teaching, inclusive practices for diverse learners, and effective partnerships with families to support children’s growth and readiness for future learning.
Students choosing to take the course for college credit must apply to Crowder College and enroll in the course through both Crowder College and the high school. Students are financially responsible for any course fees incurred for taking the course for college credit.
Prerequisites for this course include the successful completion of EDC-101 and ECD-103.