The curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from infancy to three years of age in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories, competency-based knowledge, and practice in actual settings with infants and toddlers.
Course work includes infant/toddler growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of infants and toddlers; safety issues in the care of infants and toddlers; care and guidance; communication skills with families and children; design and implementation of appropriate curriculum; and other related topics.
Graduates should be prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate infant/toddler programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Early Head Start Programs, and other infant/toddler programs.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Standard: Promoting Child Development and Learning
1a: Knowing and understanding young children’s characteristics and needs
1b: Knowing and understanding the multiple influences on development and learning
1c: Using developmental knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments
Standard: Building Family and Community Relationships
2a. Knowing about and understanding diverse family and community characteristics
2b. Supporting and engaging families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships.
2c. Involving families and communities in their children’s development and learning.
Standard: Using Developmentally Effective Approaches to Connect with Children and Families
3a. Understanding positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation of their work with children.
3b. Knowing and understanding effective strategies and tools for early education.
3c. Using a broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate teaching/learning approaches.
3d. Reflecting on their own practice to promote positive outcomes for each child.
Standard: Becoming a Professional
4a. Identifying and involving oneself with the early childhood field
4b. Knowing about and upholding ethical standards and other professional guidelines
4c. Engaging in continuous, collaborative learning to inform practice
4d. Integrating knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives on early education
4e. Engaging in informed advocacy for children and the profession
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