CCV - Course Blurbs and Essential Objectives
 
 
 

Catalog Year


Current Catalog Year: 2025-2026

Course Blurbs and Essential Objectives

EDU-1030   Introduction to Early Childhood Education   3 Credits
 
This course is an overview of early childhood education and the ways in which early childhood experiences can enhance the development of the whole child. Students examine the scope of early education services for children ages birth to eight years old. Topics include child development, national and state standards, curriculum development, early intervention, regulation, and career exploration. This course introduces concepts that are aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Standards for Early Childhood Educators: Standards 1, 2, 4, 5, & 6.
 
    1. Discuss the cultural, historical, and philosophical evolution of early childhood education.
    2. Explore early education programs in the context of family and community relationships, including the need for cultural competence when supporting and collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds. [NAEYC Standard 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 4a, 4c] 
    3. Understand the theories of child development and how they relate to the implementation of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP). [NAEYC Standard 1a, 1b, 4a, 4b, 4c] 
    4. Discuss national and state standards for the provision of education to young children and how early childhood education programs meet these standards. [NAEYC Standard 6b] 
    5. Review the elements of early childhood education curricula, the theoretical framework for different approaches to what is taught, and the pedagogy of inclusion and universal design.  [NAEYC Standard 1d, 4b, 4c, 5b] 
    6. Analyze evidence-based research on effective models of early education. [NAEYC Standard 1d, 4b, 5c, 6a]
    7. Examine the early intervention system and the provision of services to support the development of children with diverse abilities and/or affected by trauma. [NAEYC Standard 1a, 2c] 
    8. Discuss the regulation of programs, staff, and facilities to ensure health and safety, including the role of the state in policy development and regulation enforcement. [NAEYC Standard 6b] 
    9. Explore the scope and diversity of career opportunities in the field of early childhood education, the NAEYC Code of Conduct, and dispositions required for work in the field, through assignments such as informational interviews, job shadows, or other career exploration activities. [NAEYC Standard 6a, 6b] 


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