EDU 105 - Foundations of Early Childhood Education

Description
This course is an introduction to the field of early childhood education. It will examine the various foundational topics including historical, social, theoretical, and philosophical perspectives of the field. Cultural and individual differences that influence interactions, relationships, and classroom practices will be explored to encourage critical thinking skills essential to developing a personal philosophy as an early educator.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $5.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Child Development, A.A.A.S., Child Development (MTA Eligible), A.A.A.S., Child Development, A.A.A.S. (Western Michigan University - Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten), Pre-Birth to Kindergarten, A.A. (Grand Valley State University), Pre-Early Childhood Education, A.A. (Ferris State University), Pre-Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Elementary Teaching + Educational Studies, A.A. (Grand Valley State Univ)

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. The student will discuss how philosophies of children, childhood, and learning influence the field of early childhood education.

2. The student will examine the various foundational topics including historical, social, theoretical, and philosophical perspectives of the field.

3. The student will explore cultural, linguistic, and individual differences that influence interactions, relationships, and classroom practices.

4. The student will discuss the importance of understanding the levels of family engagement and guidelines for involving parents in the education of their children within the context of the larger community.

5. The student will examine the principles that influence developmentally appropriate practices, learning through play and child-centered curricula.

6. The student will discuss and give examples of their personal philosophy of early childhood education.

7. The student will describe the purpose, function, and forms of authentic assessment, observation, and documentation of young children.

8. The student will use the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct as a basis for understanding and making ethical decisions.

9. The student will research and write about a current issue related to young children and families.
Course Outline:
I. Historical Influences on Child Development and Learning

II. Societal, Theoretical, and Philosophical Perspectives That Influence early education

III. Current Issues Facing Children and Families

IV. Influences of Cultural, linguistic, and Individual differences on Interactions and Pedagogy

V. Family and Community Engagement and Collaboration

VI. Developmentally Appropriate Practices and Principles in Teaching and Learning

VII. Brain Research

VIII. Professionalism and Personal Philosophies of Early Childhood Education

IX. Observation, Documentation, and Authentic Assessment

X. Quality standards related to NAEYC and other Professional Organizations

XI. Ethical Conduct and Decision-Making

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
Yes
Instructional Strategies:
Percentage of lecture: 50-60%

Percentage of facilitated discussion: 20-40%

Percentage of group work: 10-20%

Percentage of field trips/program observation: 5-10%
Mandatory Course Components:
4 Tests

Weekly Attendance or Discussion Board posts
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course-Specific Placement Test:
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: IRW 97, IRW 98, IRW 99

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
Current Events Assignment and rubric

Teacher Identity Assignment and rubric

Family Involvement Assignment and rubric

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 102737
Course CIP Code: 19.9999
Maximum Course Enrollment: 30
General Room Request: standard classroom with technology and moveable tables/chairs

School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Education
Discipline: ED
1st Catalog Year: 2022-2023
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Professionally qualified through work experience in field (Perkins Act or Other) (list below), 18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
An instructor must possess an MA or MS degree in Early Childhood Education or Family and Child Studies as well as two years work experience with children and families in the Early Childhood field.

Major Course Revisions: Prefix
Last Revision Date Effective: 20220217T16:05:42
Course Review & Revision Year: 2026-2027