Foundations of Early Childhood Education Textbook

Foundations of Early Childhood Education is an introductory textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of early childhood education for children from birth to 8 years old. It covers key topics such as child development, learning theories, curriculum planning, and the role of play in early learning. The book also emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive, culturally responsive environments that support the diverse needs of young children and their families. Designed for aspiring early childhood educators, this resource offers practical strategies and foundational knowledge to help students prepare for careers in childcare, preschool, or early elementary education. It’s an essential guide for anyone entering the field of early childhood education.

Course Competency 1: Explore the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the early childhood profession

Define anti-bias education and other relevant terms
Follow the guidelines of “Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves” or a similar resource

Course Competency 2: Investigate the history and current trends of early childhood education

Describe the origins of early childhood education
Describe current trends that impact early childhood education
Describe legislative acts that affect early childhood education

Course Competency 3: Summarize types of early childhood education settings

Differentiate between the variety of early childhood education settings
Differentiate among the unique programming for each stage of development (infant, toddler, preschool, school age)

Course Competency 4: Explore regulatory requirements for early childhood education programs in Wisconsin

Explore group childcare regulatory requirements
Explore family childcare (licensing, certification, provisional) regulatory requirements

Course Competency 5: Identify quality indicators in early childhood education programs

Understand and articulate the principles of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP)
Explain the accreditation process and its importance in maintaining high standards of quality in early childhood programs
Explain how YoungStar criteria are used to assess and improve the quality of childcare programs
Understand the role of environmental rating scales (ERS) in guiding improvements to early childhood education environments

Course Competency 6: Describe the roles and responsibilities of the various job positions in early childhood education

Describe professional behaviors of early educators
Describe ethical behaviors of early educators using the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct as a guide
Identify the importance of advocacy for the ECE professional
Describe the Wisconsin Core Competencies For Professionals Working with Young Children & Their Families

Course Competency 7: Explore early childhood curriculum models

Describe the definition and purpose of play-based curriculum in early childhood education
Identify play-based curriculum models
Identify the philosophies, theorists, and the educator’s role in research-based curriculum models

Course Competency 8: Examine the critical role of play as it relates to developmentally appropriate practice

Describe the importance of play
Identify the types and stages of play
Identify the educator’s role in preparing the environment and facilitating play
Describe how hands-on, play-based experiences promote child development/learning in all domains
Identify the educator’s role in using observational skills to support play and learning

This video walks you through our online textbook hosted on the Pressbooks website and not this website. To access this book online, click below.

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