Early Childhood I

Introduction to Early Childhood

This curriculum consists of two two-credit courses, which should be completed in the following sequence:

This year-long course begins with an introduction to personal and professional preparation for continued education, training, and careers in early childhood. Major topics of study in this course are history and trends of early childhood education, stages of child development, ranging from birth through age five, and children’s health and safety. Students are introduced to MSDH Guidelines and Regulations Governing Child Care Facilities. Other topics covered are related to the importance of observing and assessing children. Methods of child guidance techniques are also introduced in this course. Participation in a student organization is ongoing. Students will participate in field experience, internships, and job-shadowing. Students will develop skills toward meeting requirements for the CDA credential.

Introduction: Why Early Childhood?

Quality early childhood education programs benefit our future society and economy. Research shows that preschool education is a sound economic investment, due to the fact that every dollar invested in early education saves taxpayers costs in the future. It is an investment that pays great returns. The early childhood education curriculum prepares students for future success in the field of early childhood education by improving academic and technology skills, improving employability skills, and articulating courses to community colleges. The rigorous and relevant two-year program is based on state and national standards, CDA competency standards, NAEYC standards, and 21st-century workforce skills. The course is a two-year program offering four Carnegie units of credit. The industry of early childhood education is preparing for changes due to high rates of teacher retirement, national and state initiatives and requirements, and increasing focus on the field of early childhood education. The course allows core academic subjects that are vital to students’ success to be integrated into the curriculum.