GED 521 - Early Childhood Education: Foundations

This course introduces students to the field of early childhood education. It provides an overview of different program models, policy and advocacy issues, current research on early child development and education and state and national program standards. Students also have the opportunity to observe in a variety of different early childhood settings. A course in human development is a prerequisite.

This course aims to prepare early education graduates who are committed to the provision of quality early childhood education for each and every child and their family. Using evidence-based practice, this course emphasizes the values of equity and inclusion in supporting students to develop skills that will prepare them to work in diverse early education learning environments. This course also prepares students to support children with a range of individual needs and children from diverse backgrounds. 

Students will spend a minimum of 15 hours visiting different early childhood settings. The purpose of these visits will be to highlight key aspects of the provision and evaluate how the setting is supporting the full and equitable participation of each and every child and their family, according to the VT Guiding Principles and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS).

Credits: 3 cr.