ECD 214 - Curriculum for Early Childhood Classroom

 
Description
This course examines strategies and methods for preparing integrated curricula that facilitate learning and provide meaningful connections for young children. Students examine early childhood curriculum models and utilize the PA Early Learning Standards to plan, create and assess developmentally appropriate environments and experiences that include children of various ages, cultures and abilities. Using play, literacy and the arts as a foundation, emergent studies in mathematics, social studies, science and computers in the classroom are explored. A weekly field observation in early childhood programs, schools, agencies or therapeutic setting 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.

1. Explain the importance of play for children’s development and learning.
2. Compare and contrast the role of play and the creative arts in a variety of curriculum models.
3. Analyze the effects of art, music, literature and play on child development.
4. Describe appropriate art, music, movement and dramatic play activities for children at different age levels.
5. Select play materials that facilitate learning for children at various ages and stages of development.
6. Plan developmentally appropriate math, science and social studies activities (including field trips, community resources and activities) for young children by using the PA Early Learning Standards.
7. Describe how to incorporate principles of early literacy development when planning math, science and social studies activities for young children.
8. Incorporate a variety of planning, instructional and assessment strategies to enrichment, cultural and content area activities that include young children of various ages, cultures and abilities.
9. Describe how to use documentation and assessment to explain children’s growth and learning through play to parents.
10. Examine the impact of the media on young children’s development and creative expression.
11. Discuss key issues related to the use of computers in the classroom.
12. Describe the value of individual ability and creative expression.
13. Construct a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards-based educational portfolio with appropriate artifacts.

1. Play, learning and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)
2. Early childhood curriculum models
3. PA Early Learning Standards
4. Instructional and assessment strategies
5. Integrated curriculum development and planning methods
6. Sensory centers and toys
7. Creative expression: music, movement, drama
8. Artistic development in children
9. The development of mathematical concepts: number sense, patterning, geometry, data representation, measurement and problem-solving
10. Scientific Method, Physical, Earth and Life Science experiences
11. Social Studies, community resources and field trips
12. Linking literacy with math, science, social studies and the arts
13. Cooking with children
14. Effects of television on children
15. Technology in the classroom
16. Outdoor play and environments

• Communication
• Information Literacy

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