History and philosophy of early childhood education, recent trends, learning environments, and programs for the education of children from birth to eight (8) years. Develops collaborative teaming skills and the ability to work with community leaders, agencies, businesses, and others in promoting children’s learning. Focus on parent involvement and family/community relations. This course requires an average of two hours per week of practicum in addition to class time.

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of early childhood education. An overview will include the historical context denoting the evolution of the field, as well as contributions of significant theorists. This course will address the role of the teacher, the specific developmental needs of young children, as well as the importance of family support in the early childhood educational setting.

As listed in the catalog, this course has a practicum requirement. You will need to fulfill the practicum requirement to pass this course.

Course Materials

Bredekamp, Sue, (2020). Effective Practices in Early Childhood Education: Building a Foundation. Fourth Edition. Pearson. ISBN:10: 0135179904

OR

Bredekamp, Sue, (2023). Effective Practices in Early Childhood Education: Building a Foundation. Fifth Edition. Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780137848911

• FYI: The textbook used in this course is also the textbook used in ECED 2950 at SUU.
• https://www.uen.org/core/

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Identify the historical evolution of early childhood education and the key theorists responsible for this change over time
2. Identify the role and responsibilities of an early childhood educator
3. Examine the specific needs of young children through different ages and stages of development
4. Examine the role of parental involvement in early childhood education
5. Plan and evaluate appropriate physical environments, activities, and materials
6. Interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum experience

Course Assessment Table

Assignment Outline

• Follow the modules for the tentative assignment outline.
• The professor reserves the right to adjust course content as necessary.

Grading Standards

Required Extra Co-curricular Activities: Approximately1.5 per week will be completed in a K-3 classroom during this course.

Practicum Experience/Service Learning Project: A significant university-wide focus for SUU students is to become actively involved in service-learning experiences that will enhance their career choices and provide service to the community. This class will provide pre-service teachers with the opportunity to serve Utah public schools by helping in a K-3 grade classroom in Iron County School District (or other counties for those living in other parts of Utah) for 1.5 hours per week. Students will reflect on their practicum experience at the end of the term.

Course Summary

• Wed Sep 3, 2025: Quiz Commenced Attendance Quiz
• Discussion Topic Introduction Discussion
• Sun Sep 7, 2025: Assignment Early Childhood Education Requirements Quiz
• Wed Sep 10, 2025: Assignment Starting Practicum Requirements
• Thu Sep 11, 2025: Discussion Topic History of Early Childhood Education Discussion Post
• Fri Sep 12, 2025: Assignment Early Childhood Education History Quiz
• Sat Sep 13, 2025: Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 2
• Sun Sep 14, 2025: Assignment Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
• Thu Sep 18, 2025: Discussion Topic Program/Environment Evaluation Discussion Post
• Fri Sep 19, 2025: Assignment ECE Programs and Learning Environments Quiz
• Sat Sep 20, 2025: Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 3
• Thu Sep 25, 2025: Discussion Topic Practicum Experience Discussion Post
• Fri Sep 26, 2025: Assignment Early Childhood Educators and Environments Quiz
• Sat Sep 27, 2025: Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 4
• Sun Sep 28, 2025: Assignment Early Childhood Education Professional Interview
• Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours for Module 5
• Sat Oct 4, 2025: Assignment Child Development Quiz; Assignment Curriculum Scavenger Hunt; Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 6
• Sat Oct 11, 2025: Assignment Standards and Curriculum Quiz
• Sun Oct 12, 2025: Assignment Four Domains of Child Development; Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 7
• Sat Oct 18, 2025: Assignment Being a Reflective Practitioner Quiz
• Sun Oct 19, 2025: Assignment Reflective Practitioner Planning & Goals; Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 8
• Sat Oct 25, 2025: Assignment Play and Reading Aloud Quiz; Assignment Read Aloud Lesson Plan
• Thu Oct 30, 2025: Discussion Topic Behaviors Discussion Post; Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 9
• Sat Nov 1, 2025: Assignment Managing Behaviors & Child Guidance Quiz
• Sun Nov 2, 2025: Assignment Behavior Scenarios
• Thu Nov 6, 2025: Discussion Topic Hands-On/Engagement Activity Discussion Post; Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 10
• Sat Nov 8, 2025: Assignment Planning for Engagement and Learning Quiz
• Sun Nov 9, 2025: Assignment Hands-On/Engagement Activity Lesson Plan; Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 11
• Sat Nov 22, 2025: Assignment Protecting Children Quiz; Assignment Child Services Presentation
• Sun Nov 23, 2025: Discussion Topic Contextual Factors Discussion Post
• Sun Nov 30, 2025: Assignment Building Effective Partnerships with Families Quiz
• Mon Dec 1, 2025: Assignment Alternate Reading Quiz; Assignment Practicum Evaluation
• Fri Dec 5, 2025: Assignment Practicum Timesheet
• Sat Dec 6, 2025: Assignment Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 12
• Sun Dec 7, 2025: Discussion Topic Reflection Discussion Post
• Tue Dec 9, 2025: Assignment Final Practicum Reflection & Philosophy of Early Childhood Education Paper

Modules

Module One: Setting Up Practicum

Welcome to Foundations of Early Childhood Education! This module emphasizes getting started in your practicum as early childhood education is introduced and will answer the following questions:

• What is required in this course?
• How do you set up your practicum?
• What is required to complete the 16 hours of practicum experience in a K-3 classroom?

Important things to know starting Module 1:

• Across the time in the course, you will complete 16 hours in a K-3 grade general education classroom, teaching and assisting the teacher.
• You will read through the practicum expectations and fill out all necessary forms to meet the requirements to be able to work with young children and start your practicum hours, which will need to be completed by the end of module 13. The time spent in the classroom with students will help you build a foundation of knowledge and experiences with early childhood education to build on throughout this course as you complete assignments.
• You will be required to turn in a copy of your timesheet showing how you completed your 16 hours in a classroom with students in module 13. Your mentor will fill out a lab evaluation when you complete the 16 hours.
• Print out and read the evaluation form and time sheet. You will give the evaluation form to your mentor teacher on the first day. Keep track of your time on the timesheet.

Module Two: History of Early Childhood

This module emphasizes getting started in your practicum and the history of early childhood education and will answer the following questions:

• What is the history and importance of early childhood education?
• What trends in early childhood education have been influenced by historical perspectives?
• What is required to complete the 16 hours of practicum experience in a K-3 classroom?

Important things to know starting Module 2:

• Throughout this course you will complete 16 hours in a K-3 grade regular classroom, teaching and helping as much as you can.
• You will read through the practicum expectations and fill out all necessary forms to meet the requirements to be able to work with young children and start your practicum hours, which will need to be completed by the end of module 13. The time spent in the classroom with students will help you build a foundation of knowledge and experience with early childhood education to build on throughout this course and complete assignments.
• You will be required to turn in a copy of your timesheet showing how you completed your 16 hours in a classroom with students in module 13. Your mentor will fill out a lab evaluation when you complete the 16 hours.
• Print out and read the evaluation form and timesheet. You will give the evaluation form to your mentor teacher on the first day. Keep track of your time on the timesheet.

Objective

• Describe the historical significance of early childhood education (CO 1)
• Explain a personal philosophy of early childhood education (CO 1)
• Fulfill the requirements to set up a practicum experience in a K-3 classroom (CO 6)

Readings

• Read pages 40-58 (from Chapter 2) in the textbook
• Look over the timesheet that you will be filling out throughout the course and will turn in in Module 13.

Videos

• History of Child Labor
• Early in Life & the Importance of Early Childhood Education

Module Activities

• History of Early Childhood Education Discussion Post
• Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Education History Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 2

Module Three: ECE Programs and Learning Environments

This module will emphasize the high quality early childhood education programs and various learning environment, and answer the following questions:

• What does a high-quality early childhood education program look like?
• How can I deliver high-quality instruction in an early childhood education setting?
• What do appropriate learning environments look like in early childhood education?
• Why are procedures and organization so important to the learning environment?

Objective

• Outline the role of early childhood education programs (CO 2)
• Evaluate different early childhood education programs (CO 5)
• Describe the importance of different learning environments (CO 5)
• Plan activities and interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum setting (CO 5 & 6)

Readings

• Read pages 20-27 (in Chapter 1) & 95-97 (in Chapter 3) in the Textbook

Module Activities

• Program/Environment Evaluation Discussion Post
• ECE Programs and Learning Environments Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 3

Module Four: Early Childhood Educators and Environments

This module will emphasize the high quality early childhood education programs and various learning environment, and answer the following questions:

• What do teachers in a high-quality early childhood education program look like?
• How can I deliver high-quality instruction in an early childhood education setting?
• Why are procedures and organization so important to the learning environment?

Objective

• Outline the role of early childhood education programs and teachers (CO 2)
• Describe the importance of different learning environments (CO 5)
• Plan activities and interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum setting (CO 5 & 6)

Readings

• Read pages 4-19 (from chapter 1) in the textbook

Module Activities

• Practicum Experience Discussion Post
• Early Childhood Education Professional Interview
• Early Childhood Educators and Environments Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 4

Module Five: Child Development

This module will emphasize understanding and promoting children’s development and answer the following questions:

• What influences child development?
• Why is understanding child development important?
• How do educators meet the needs of children at different stages and with unique needs?

Objectives

• Examine and identify developmental stages (CO 3)
• Observe skills in children based on the four domains (CO 3)
• Plan activities and interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum setting (CO 5 & 6)

Readings

• Read pages 108-129 (from Chapter 4) in the textbook
• Read the Four Domains Observation information
• Read the Stages of Development document

Module Activities

• Four Domains of Child Development
• Child Development Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 6

Module Six: Standards, Objectives, and Curriculum

This module will emphasize the importance of becoming a knowledgeable and reflective practitioner, and answer the following questions:

• What are the state and national standards for early childhood education?
• What is required of early childhood educators?

Objective

• Examine the role of an early childhood educator (CO 2)
• Outline the different content areas included in early childhood curriculum (CO 2)
• Plan activities and interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum setting (CO 5 & 6)

Readings

• Read pages 334-346 (in chapter 10) in the textbook
• Utah Core Standards

Module Activities

• Curriculum Scavenger Hunt
• Standards and Curriculum Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 6

Module Seven: Becoming a Reflective Practitioner

This module will emphasize the importance of developing a curriculum and developing as an early childhood education professional. The following questions will be answered in this module.

• What does it mean to be a reflective practitioner?
• How can reflecting help you improve as a teacher?

Objective

• Summarize the standards guiding early childhood education (CO 2)
• Reflect on the importance of journaling and setting goals to plan lessons and curriculum (CO 2)
• Plan activities and interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum setting (CO 5 & 6)

Readings

• Read pages 74-94 (in chapter 3) in the textbook

Module Activities

• Reflective Practitioner Planning & Goals
• Being a Reflective Practitioner Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 7

Module Eight: Play and Reading Aloud

This module will emphasize fostering children’s learning and answer the following questions:

• Why is play appropriate and beneficial for children?
• Why are learner-centered experiences important?
• What are different learning theories and how do those theories apply to young children?
• How are learning theories applied in classrooms?

Objective

• Identify learning theories that foster children's learning (CO 1)
• Assess the importance of play in early childhood education (CO 3)
• Create a plan to engage students (CO 5)
• Plan activities and interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum setting (CO 5 & 6)

Readings

• Read pages 296-299 & 320-324 (in chapter 9)

Module Activities

• Read Aloud Video Discussion Post
• Read Aloud Lesson Plan
• Play and Reading Aloud Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 8

Module Nine: Managing Behaviors and Child Guidance

This module will emphasize guiding behavior and creating a classroom community. This module will answer the following questions:

• What does the research say about the best ways to guide children’s behavior?
• What are appropriate responses to behaviors in the classroom?
• What are the best ways to communicate with children about behavior?
• How do child guidance, classroom community, and self-regulation fit into building behavior and management?

Objective

• Summarize the reasons behind student behaviors (CO 2 & 3)
• Apply knowledge of guiding behaviors in real scenarios (CO 2 & 5)
• Evaluate the importance of communication with parents (CO 4)
• Plan activities and interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum setting (CO 5 & 6)

Readings

• Read pages 266-280 (from Chapter 8) in the textbook

Activities

• Behaviors Discussion Post
• Behavior Scenarios
• Managing Behaviors & Child Guidance Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 9

Module Ten: Planning for Engagement and Learning

Overview

This module will emphasize the importance of planning for children’s learning. This module will answer the following questions:

• What are the effective principles of planning?
• What type of things need to be considered when planning?
• How do different types of planning influence learning?

Objective

• Describe the different parts of a lesson plan (CO 2)
• Demonstrate the ability to create a detailed lesson plan (CO 5)
• Plan activities and interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum setting (CO 5 & 6)

Readings

• Read pages 300-316 (from Chapter 9) in the textbook

Module Activities

• Hands-On/Engagement Activity Discussion Post
• Hands-On/Engagement Activity Lesson Plan
• Planning for Engagement and Learning Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 10

Module Eleven: Protecting Children

This module will emphasize protecting children, how to identify child abuse, and how to report child abuse. This module will answer the following questions:

• Why is protecting children so important?
• Who is responsible to protect children?
• What is child abuse?
• How can a teacher report suspected child abuse?

Objective

• Identify the process and importance of knowing how to report child abuse (CO 2 & 4)
• Evaluate the importance of protecting children in educational settings (CO 4)
• Plan activities and interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum setting (CO 5 & 6)

Readings

• Signs of Child Abuse Article.pdf
• Sexual Abuse Facts and Sources.pdf
• Fight Against Child Trafficking (you do not have to sign up, just read the information)
• Child Sexual Abuse Facts & Resources
• Child Sexual Abuse Statistics

Module Activities

• Child Services Presentation
• Protecting Children Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 11

Module Twelve: Building Effective Partnerships

This module will emphasize building supportive relationships with families and communities. This module will answer the following questions:

• Why is family engagement and support important to a child’s education and development?
• How can a teacher support families?
• What are the most effective ways to communicate with families?

Objective

• Describe the role of a teacher in effectively communicating with families (CO 2 & 4)
• Analyze the importance of a strong relationship between families and schools (CO 4)
• Plan activities and interact with children in developmentally appropriate ways in a practicum setting (CO 5 & 6)

Readings

• Read pages 229-247 (in chapter 7) from the textbook

Module Activities

• Contextual Factors Discussion Post
• Building Effective Partnerships with Families Quiz
• Accruing Practicum Hours Quiz for Module 12

Module Thirteen: Early Childhood Reflection

This module will emphasize reflecting on the practicum experience and what was learned in this course. The following questions will be answered in this module:

• Is early childhood education for me?
• What did I see in my practicum experience that connects to what I learned in this course?
• What have I learned from both the practicum experience and course assignments that have better prepared me to work with young children?

Objective

• Apply knowledge gained in this course to write a reflection of what was learned and applied (CO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
• Complete all required evaluations for the practicum assignment (CO 6)

Activities

• Reflection Discussion Post
• Alternate Reading Quiz
• Practicum Evaluation
• Practicum Timesheet

Module Fourteen: Final Reflection and Philosophy Paper

Purpose

Demonstrate knowledge gained in this course and practicum experience.

Instructions

After completing your practicum and participating in class discussions and lectures, you will reflect on early childhood education as a future profession in an academic paper. Each prompt should be a separate paragraph and have a heading. 1) Indicate what your responsibilities were and how you think you handled it. 2) Cite specific examples of what you observed that reinforced some of our class topics. 3) Address some of the elements of teaching that were eye-openers for you. 4) Can you see yourself in this profession in the future? Why or why not? 5) Conclude your paper with a half-page on your personal philosophy of early childhood education. This will be a 2-3-page paper, double-spaced and submitted on Canvas. Do not exceed 3 pages. The final will not be accepted after the due date. Please see the rubric before starting this assignment and use the template (file located in the module).

Late Policy

All assignments are due on the due date. After 10 days, no credit will be given for assignments, with ten percent deducted each day an assignment is late. Quizzes also need to be completed by the assigned due date. Quizzes will be available for 24 hours after the due date as a grace period, but then the quizzes will close. The final is expected on the due date and no credit will be given for finals turned in after the due date. In life, sometimes emergencies occur beyond our control. Please alert me when such things impact your ability to keep up in the course so that I may help you navigate the course under such circumstances. My goal is your success.

Make-up Work/Extra Credit

There are no extra credit opportunities at this time for this course.

Instructor's Response Time & Feedback

It is my goal to:

• Respond to student messages within 1-2 business days
• Provide grades and feedback within 5-7 business days from the due date

Consistently attending your practicum class is required in order to be successful in this course. Please pay close attention to due dates and times for all assignments.

Program and Course Fees (Links to an external site.)

As with any other tool, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to generate initial ideas. AI doesn’t know the children in your classes, what happened yesterday, who is struggling, if a specific challenge is needed for your class or individuals, etc. AI can be used on approved assignments only, but technology does not take the place of human observation, evaluation, intentional planning, and skills and knowledge needed by a teacher in order to be successful. Unapproved use of AI is considered an academic integrity issue Links to an external site. and will be treated accordingly.

A significant university-wide focus for SUU students is to become actively involved in service-learning experiences that will enhance their career choices and provide service to the community. This class will provide pre-service teachers with the opportunity to serve Utah public schools by helping in a K-3 grade classroom in Iron County School District for approximately 1.5 hours per week. Students will reflect on their practicum experience at the end of the term.