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2021-2022 Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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ECD 104 - Preschool Development


Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
This course is an overview of physical, cognitive, emotional and social development during the preschool years, ages 3-6. A range of theoretical viewpoints, research findings and practical issues are considered within the context of the dynamic nature of development and the uniqueness of each individual child and family. Professional standards for working with preschool-age children and their families are examined. A weekly field observation in early childhood programs, schools, agencies or therapeutic settings is required.  

Students must have three current clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance and meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance.


Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

  1. Describe basic developmental concepts and issues related to the study of preschool-age children.
  2. Describe patterns of typical physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of preschool-age children.
  3. Analyze the observed developmental patterns of preschool-age children in group care settings.
  4. Identify strategies that facilitate physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of preschool-age children in developmentally and culturally appropriate ways.
  5. Describe health and safety practices specific to the preschool classroom.
  6. Compare the developmental needs of preschool-age children with the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood and the Pennsylvania Keys to Quality Continuum.
  7. Construct a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards-based portfolio with appropriate artifacts.
Listed Topics
  1. Theories of child development related to the study of preschool-age children
  2. Physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of preschool-age children
  3. The role of temperament and resilience in preschool-age children’s development
  4. Observational techniques and assessment tools used with preschool-age children as individuals and in groups
  5. Models of play environments and developmentally appropriate play materials and activities for preschool-age children
  6. Parenting and care-giving behaviors which promote optimal development
  7. Inclusion of preschool-age children with special needs
  8. Working with linguistically diverse preschool-age children and families
  9. Health and safety topics related to preschoolers, including nutrition, safe spaces, transportation safety, pedestrian safety, child abuse, prevention and control of infectious diseases and responses to allergic reactions to food and other allergens
  10.  Readiness and transition to kindergarten
  11.  Professional ethics, standards and practices
Reference Materials
Instructor-approved textbook and materials.
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:
  • Communication
  • Culture Society & Citizenship
  • Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning
Approved By: Bullock, Quintin Date Approved: 03/20/2020


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