Theory and Practice of Early Childhood Education

Undergraduate

The course deals with development and delivery of curricula for young children ages 3-6 and the current context of educational reform and debate. Goals are to deepen insights through critical analysis of educational programs for young children in light of current research and developmental theory and to understand how culture and political context contribute to the practice of education. Regularly scheduled seminar discussions and workshops that engage students with learning materials emphasize the ongoing dynamic process of developing emergent curriculum and focus on methods of creating a responsive, inclusive environment; planning and assessment; appreciating cultural and linguistic diversity; teachers’ roles; anti-bias education; working with families; conceptualizing the professional challenges of collaborating on a teaching team within the organization of the school; standards and accountability and the role of policy and advocacy in educational change. The course will use current journals, internet sources, video and other recent media as primary sources in addition to current research and other texts. Students must arrange to do a weekly one-hour observation (in-person or virtually) of a child under age 6 and an additional 2 hour in-person classroom observation at Calvin Hill Day Care Center or another Yale-affiliated childcare center. Total observation time commitment is 3 hours per week. If you are unable to find a child to observe, please do not register for this class. Introduction to Child Development ( CHLD 1250 /PSYCH 1425/ EDST 1125 ) is recommended. Permission of instructor is required. Priority given to juniors, seniors, and Ed Studies students. WR , SO T 1:30pm-3:25pm