WELCOME TO EARC 109 INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEFINED  Write a definition of what Early Childhood Education means to you  After viewing the video “The Uniqueness of the Early Childhood Profession” work in a team and write a definition of Early Childhood Education

Assignment for Thursday  Go into blackboard and check the following: –reading assignments – homework assignments –Website assignments –Portfolio assignments

Early Childhood Education  Children ages 0 through 8 years of age in groups  Supports children’s development and learning  Assists children in developing attitudes of trust, competence and independence  Learn best through use of repetition and active involvement with their environment—concrete learning  Activities should be self-motivated and self- directed VS teacher-directed—”do it yourself” period of learning

Early Childhood Education  Supports development of multiple skills including: –Cognitive –Physical –Social –Emotional  Involved in play with a variety of materials emphasizing “process VS product”

Early Childhood Education  Provides both care and education  Partnerships with parents  Requires trained teachers who teach and assess young children, work with children and adults, think concretely and creatively