MOUNT WACHUSETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYLLABUS ECE 101 INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

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1 MOUNT WACHUSETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYLLABUS 1 ECE 101 INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 3 credits COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is designed to introduce students to the field of early childhood education It studies the history, philosophy, ethics and changing needs of the field in a variety of settings. This course will also address licensing regulations, state and national standards and how they impact on the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of the child. A 15 hour field experience is required for all ECT (transfer) students only, in order to meet the new Massachu8setts Early childhood Transfer Compact. Students participating in field experiences must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. TEXTBOOKS Beginnings and Beyond, (6 th ed.), Gordon and Browne, Delmar N. Y Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Regulations Early Childhood Program Standards for Three and Four Year Olds, Massachustts Dept. Of Education (DOE), April Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences, Massachusetts Dept. of Education, April Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Core Competencies met: #2 Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth #4 Health, Safety and Nutrition #5 Learning Environments and Curriculum #6 Observation, Assessment and Documentation #8 Professionalism and Leadership COURSE OBJECTIVES After completing this course, the student will: -Be familiar with the history of early childhood education -Describe the changing needs of the family and the impact of these changes on early childhood education. -Survey the methods of curriculum and program development -Explore the role of the caregiver/ teacher, administrator, licensing agencies and other suppo rt services in early childhood programs.

2 -Survey a variety of types of early childhood programs. -Discuss the importance of developing a sound teaching philosophy. -Explore appropriate instructional strategies, interactions and environments to be used with young children. -Explore and discuss the Mass. Early Childhood Standards and Preschool Learning Experiences. 2 METHODS OF INSTRUCTION Classes will consist of lectures, small group discussions, activities, and videos. ATTENDANCE POLICY ONLY 2 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES ARE ALLOWED There is a strong relationship between class attendances, student mastery of the material and exam performance. Much of the student's educational experience comes from class discussions and the sharing of ideas with fellow students and the instructor; much of this material is not included in the text. A class absence represents a significant lost learning experience. Therefore, class attendance and punctuality are expected. The roll will be taken at the beginning of each meeting. Arrival after the roll has been taken or leaving before the end of class is considered one-half an absence. Students must make an attempt to contact instructor prior (not after) an absence. Students are responsible for all material covered and assigned in any class that is missed. ******After the second absence the student MUST take the initiative and meet with the instructor to receive permission to remain in the course. If a student is allowed to remain in the course, one point will be deducted from the final grade for each consecutive absence. *The only exceptions to the policies in the above paragraph will be made for an illness verified by a physician or left to the discretion of the instructor. ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAM POLICY *No extensions will be granted on assignments without PRIOR arrangements with instructor. *All extensions must be handed in by the next scheduled class and will have 10 points deducted upon receipt.

3 3 ASSIGNMENT FORMAT All written assignments must be college level work (typed & proofread). This requires attention to organization, spelling, punctuation, grammar AND following the guidelines. Cover page with student s name and title of assignment Introductory paragraph Summary References properly sited Type double space, font #12 One-inch margins In addition: Papers should be stapled -clipped or dog-eared papers will NOT be accepted Papers will NOT be accepted in folders or plastic covers GRADE DETERMINATION Grades will be determined on the basis of the grading policies found in the catalog and student handbook and will be based on the following formula: Discussion Questions 25points) 25% Observation/ Site visit paper 25% Project (ECC Students) (25%) or Field Experience (ECT Students) (25%) Final Exam 25% A passing grade requires successful progress toward completion. This policy is defined as follows: -Excellent attendance -Leave message on instructors voice mail as to reason of absence PRIOR to the missed class -Tardiness or leaving early is NOT acceptable without explanation to the instructor, before or after class. -Keep up with the reading according to the schedule -Make thoughtful and mature contributions to the class discussion and activities. Don t monopolize discussions, allowing everyone a chance to share -Know what is expected for assignments, follow assignment guidelines and hand them in on time -All assignments should indicate an attention to details and be college level work.

4 *ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE HAND ED IN ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THIS COURSE. ZERO'S ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE GRADES AND WILL BE CAUSE FOR A STUDENT TO BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE CLASS. 4 Statement on Disabilities If you have a disability, a medical or emotional issue which might impact on your class performance, please consult with your instructor AND with the proper college staff member so that we may provide the required and appropriate accommodations. It is most beneficial for the student if the disclosure is made early in the semester. -Counselor for Students with Disabilities, Michael Sidoti Room 135 Ext College Counselor, Nancy Kennedy, Room 139 Ext College Nurse/ Health Educator, Diane King, room 1 Ext. 136 Academic Support Students are encouraged to use the free tu toring and support services available in the Academic Support Center Room 116 or call

5 ASSIGNMENTS 5 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS These discussion questions are a way for you to begin thinking about aspects and issues in the field of early childhood education. Be sure to answer all parts of questions. Be thoughtful with your responses, answering in your own words. Discussion question responses must be 2 typed double spaced pages, size 12 font, (with the exception of #3 which should be 1 page), and carefully proofread. #1 DUE SEPT. 23 Share your thoughts about the qualities that you feel make a good early childhood professional. Discuss how you believe these qualities or traits are acquired. Do you think that teachers can be trained to develop these qualities or are you born with them? And last, describe your best teacher qualities, and also those features of your personality you feel you need to build on in order to work with children and families. #2 DUE OCT. 5 Hypothetical- Teachers have noticed that several children consistently interrupt at story time with seemingly irrelevant questions and constantly grab onto the child next to him. What observational tools would you use to find out what is happening? What clues from individual behaviors would you look for? How would you look at the group as a whole? What other information would you need? #3 DUE OCT. 14 Write a letter to a group of parents who have been questioning you about why their children play so much in your classroom. Explain, in letter format, (1 page, 3 paragraphs, greetings etc.) your rationale for making play an important part of your program. #4 DUE OCT. 26 As a teacher in early childhood, what do you think are three of the most important things that children need from you? CENTER OBSERVATION DUE NOV. 9 Students will select an early childhood classroom and observe for a minimum of 2 hours. This observation cannot be your practicum placement, but can be a different classroom in the same center. All observation visits must be pre-arranged with the center director and scheduled for the morning hours (Observation should not take place during naptime or afternoons). Family childcare situations may not be used for this observation. The Early Childhood Program Standards (ECPS) & the Office of Child Care Services (OCCS) Regulations must be utilized for this assignment where indicated.

6 ***NOT FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN THE REDUCTION OF 10 POINTS. 6 ****PLEASE BE SURE TO NUMBER ALL 12 SECTIONS INDIVIDUALLY. Describe objectively (factually, exactly what you see), saving your subjective (personal) comments for your summary at the end. Introduction : In outline form, describe the following: -Program setting (i.e. church basement, self contained building etc.) -Type of program (i.e. Head Start, private preschool, day care) -Hours of operation (2 1/ 2 hr sessions or full day, year long or 10 months) -Number of children classroom is licensed for -Ages of children in classroom you observed in -Staffing-number of teachers working in classroom their title (i.e. lead teacher, teacher, aide) 1. ECPS Area #1-A. 1-9 Describe in detail, the interactions between the children as they relate to the 2. ECPS Area #1-B 1-9 Describe in detail, the staff/ child interactions as they relate to the 3. ECPS Area #1-E #1& 2 Request to see the center s written Behavior Management policy. Discuss it as it relates to the 4. ECPS Area #2-G #1-8 Describe in detail, the Structure of the classroom as it relates to the 5. ECPS Area #2-H #1-5 Describe in detail, the routines of the classroom as it relates to the 6. ECPS Area #2- K #1-3 Describe in detail, the opportunities for children to develop self-help skills as they relate to the 7. ECPS Area #3- A #1 Describe the outdoor play area as it relates to this standard. 8. ECPS Area #3- B #1 Describe the safety of the indoor environment as it relates to this standard. 9.ECPS Area #3 C #1 &2 Describe in detail, the classroom arrangement as it relates to these

7 10. ECPS Area #3 D #1 Describe the materials in the room as they relate to this standard OCCS Regs 7.22 (5) Describe the ratio of staff to children in the classroom that you are observing. 12. ECPS Area #7 1 & 3 Describe these areas of health and safety that pertain to the ***Remember that you are representing MWCC and the Early Childhood Department. Be prompt, polite and professional. PROJECT DUE NOV. 23 *This assignment is only for the ECC (Early Childhood Transfer) student, who will not be required to complete a 15 hour field experience in this course. Choose one assignment from the following choices. BOOK REVIEW Read and write a book review of Einstein Never used Flash Cards, by Hirsh-Pasek, Michnick Golinkoff (This book can be purchased at the MWCC bookstore). TEACHER OBSERVATION & INTERVIEW Write an observation of an early childhood teacher you admire. Interview her/ him to learn of their philosophy and training regarding early childhood education. Discuss why you think this teacher is so effective in her role. Describe the teacher s positive traits and characteristics. What advice does this teacher have for you? RESEARCH PAPER Choose a topic that interests you. The instructor must approve all topics. Use at least four current references (within the past 5-10 years). Be sure to correctly cite your references in the body of the paper and on the reference page. Students choosing th is option should use the Academic support center for assistance. FIELD EXPERIENCE 15 hours *This must be completed by ECT (Early Childhood Transfer) students ONLY. Transcripts will indicate that you have successfully completed a 15 hour field experience. This is a requirement of the Board of Higher Education s ECE Transfer Compact. Transcripts of ECT students who do not complete the field experience will indicate NO FIELD EXPERIENCE.

8 More detailed information on the field experience can be found in the Field Experience packet. 8 *PLAGIARISM Any time you use, copy or paraphrase someone else s written work in your own work, you must give the author credit on a reference page. If you do not, it is called plagiarism. Plagiarism will result in a failed grade on this project. **FINAL EXAM EXEMPTION Student s who demonstrate exemplary work, receiving an A average (93% & above) in all assignments leading up to the final exam, AND has excellent attendance; will be exempt from taking the final!!

9 9 SCHEDULE Sept. 7 Sept. 9 Sept. 14 Sept. 16 Sept. 21 Sept. 23 Sept. 28 Sept. 30 Oct. 5 Oct. 7. Oct. 12 Oct. 14 Oct. 19 Oct. 21 Oct. 26 Oct. 28 Introduction to course Discuss syllabus and assignments Student Introductions Chapt. 1 History of Early Childhood Education Chapt. 2 Types of Programs Discussion Quest. #1 Due Video: On Being a Teacher Project topic Due Chapt. 3 Defining the Young Child Cont. Chapt. 4 Developmental and Learning Theories Cont. Chapt. 5 The Teacher s Role Discussion Quest. #2 Due Office of Child Care Services Regulations Cont. Chapt. 6 Observation & Assessment: Learning to Read the Child Discussion Quest. #3 Due Chapt. 7 Understanding and Guiding Behavior Cont. Video Chapt. 8 Parents and Teachers: Partners in Education Discussion Quest. #4 Due Chapt. 9 Creating Environments Video

10 10 Nov. 2 Nov. 4 Cont. Chapt. 10 Curriculum Basics Observation Paper Due Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 18. Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 2 Dec. 7 Dec. 9 Video: NAEYC S Developmentally Appropriate Practice Chapt. 11 Physical/ Motor Development Chapt. 12 Cognitive Development Cont. Project Due Field Experience attendance sheet Due Chapt. 13 Language Development Chapt. 14 Emotional, Social and Creative Growth Chapt. 15 Issues and Trends in Early Childhood Appendix B Code of Ethical Conduct Final Exam TO BE ANNOUNCED

11 FIELD EXPERIENCE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD TRANSFER STUDENTS 11

12 12 Name Submitted on time Introduction Complete 1. ECPS Area #1-A. 1-9 Describe in detail, the interactions between the children as they relate to the 2. ECPS Area #1-B 1-9 Describe in detail, the staff/ child interactions as they relate to the 3. ECPS Area #1-E #1& 2 Request to see the center s written Behavior Management policy. Discuss it as it relates to the 4. ECPS Area #2-G #1-8 Describe in detail, the Structure of the classroom as it relates to the 5. ECPS Area #2-H #1-5 Describe in detail, the routines of the classroom as it relates to the 6. ECPS Area #2- K #1-3 Describe in detail, the opportunities for children to develop self-help skills as they relate to the 7. ECPS Area #3- A #1 Describe the outdoor play area as it relates to this standard. 8. ECPS Area #3- B #1 Describe the safety of the indoor environment as it relates to this standard. 9.ECPS Area #3 C #1 &2 Describe in detail, the classroom arrangement as it relates to these 10. ECPS Area #3 D #1 Describe the materials in the room as they relate to this standard.

13 2 11. OCCS Regs 7.22 (5) Describe the ratio of staff to children in the classroom that you are observing. 12. ECPS Area #7 1 & 3 Describe these areas of health and safety that pertain to the Sections numbered Followed Assignment Guidelines Grade