10-307-148 ECE: Foundations of ECE
Course Information
Description
This 3-credit course introduces the early childhood profession through a historical overview of the field. The course will explore program trends, quality indicators, and developmentally appropriate practices for children birth to 8 years of age.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion in the early childhood profession
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    follow the guidelines of “Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves" or a similar DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) resource
    define anti-bias education and other relevant terms

  2. Investigate the history and current trends of early childhood education
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    describe the origins of early childhood education
    describe current trends that impact early childhood education
    describe legislative acts that affect early childhood education

  3. Explore regulatory requirements for early childhood education programs in WI
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    explore group childcare regulatory requirements
    explore family childcare (licensing, certification, provisional) regulatory requirements

  4. Summarize types of early childhood education settings
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    differentiate between the variety of early childhood education settings
    differentiate among the unique programming for each stage of development (infant, toddler, preschool, school age)

  5. Identify quality indicators in early childhood education program
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    identify the purpose of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)
    identify the purpose of the accreditation bodies (i.e. NAEYC, NAFCC)
    identify the purpose of YoungStar quality criteria
    identify the purpose of Environmental Rating Scales

  6. Summarize responsibilities of early childhood education professionals
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    describe roles and responsibilities of various job positions (examples in DCF 250 and 251)
    describe professional behaviors and ethical responsibilities of early educators (NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct)
    identify the importance of advocacy for the ECE professional
    describe professional competencies from WI Core Competencies for Professionals Working with Young Children and their Families

  7. Explore early childhood curriculum models
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    identify curriculum models
    describe the definition and purpose of curriculum
    identify the philosophies, theorists, and teacher role of research-based curriculum models

  8. Examine the critical role of play as it relates to developmentally appropriate practice
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Criteria
    identify the types and stages of play
    identify the teacher/caregiver'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 teacher/caregiver’s role in using observational skills to support play and learning