Early Childcare Management

Upon completion of this course, candidates will be able to reference theories and research when defining the four learning and developmental domains (cognitive, physical, language and social /emotional), as they pertain to the stages of development of children from birth to age five. The impact of cultural diversity, family, education, and socioeconomic status on early learning and development will be included.

This course involves a study of the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs for young children from birth to five, including the curriculum, materials and equipment used for learning activities. Emphasis will be placed on the identification, selection, application, and integration of developmentally appropriate activities, themes, literature, and key concepts in a variety of public and private early childhood settings. Candidates will be required to plan, create, and present developmentally appropriate learning activities that facilitate growth of the whole child.

This course will provide candidates with a comprehensive overview of the health, safety, and nutritional needs of growing children and the laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures that apply to the health and safety of young children. The influence of family, community, and culture on a child's health and safety and the physical health, mental health, and safety of both children and staff will be explored. Candidates will learn how to integrate concepts related to health, safety, and nutrition in their daily planning.

This course is designed to help early childhood educators meet the needs of the growing number of children with challenging behaviors. Candidates will learn what behaviors are appropriate for different age groups and which behaviors indicate a need for additional intervention. Methods will be taught for promoting self-esteem, self-confidence, and decision-making abilities in young children. Candidates will learn techniques for the behavioral management of young children and for smooth transitions in the daily schedule. Diversity in cultures as it pertains to discipline will be explored.

Candidates will learn how to create a learning environment that is safe, secure, and provides lots of opportunities for the development of the whole child. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to set up an area or classroom for young children, including types of furniture and flooring, learning centers, lighting, display of materials, labeling, storage, etc. Both indoor and outdoor areas will be studied. The effect of the environment on the behavior of young children will be explored.

Candidates will learn to design, implement, and evaluate learning environments and curricular activities for ALL children. Contemporary inclusion topics facing early childhood/childhood educators, including children with physical and mental disabilities, ESOL children, and gifted children will be explored. Candidates will learn how to develop a curriculum that is anti-biased and encourages collaboration with culturally diverse families.

This course will explore administrative issues relating to leadership in early childhood education: management styles, staff development and supervision including teacher training, staff relations, retention, and evaluation.

This course is designed to provide experience useful in stimulating and guiding the learning activities of studnets, developing teaching and management skill of a high order, and promoting professional attitudes that are necessary for successful teaching and childcare management.

This course is a campus seminar held during the internship with an emphasis on current issues and concerns in teaching/childcare management.