Syllabus: 2013 / 2014School year
Early Childhood Education I
Monday – Friday: 8:30-10:00 (Barnhardt)
Monday – Friday: 10:07-11:40 (Praylor)
Monday – Friday 1:37-3:10 (Praylor)
Early Childhood Education II
Monday – Friday: 8:30-10:00 (Praylor)
Monday – Friday: 10:07-11:40 (Barnhardt)
Monday – Friday 1:37-3:10 (Barnhardt)
Instructors: Jeri Barnhardt & Chelsea Praylor
Classroom: S152 (Barnhardt) & S151 (Praylor)
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 7:50-8:15 and 3:06-3:20.
Phone: 336.727.8181
Email: /
Website:
Introduction:
Welcome to Early Childhood Education. This curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from infancy through middle childhood in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.
Graduates of this 2-year program are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and school-age programs.
Textbooks
Herr, J. Working with Young Children
Herr, J. Working with Young Children Student Workbook
Stevens, K.The Child Care Professional
Stevens, K. The Child Care Professional Student Workbook
Nelson, Linda & Alan Child Care Administration
Rules and Expectations:
There is just one rule- Every environment that you are apart of should be better because you were there once you leave. This includes but is not limited to the classroom, your internship site, a field trip location, and mind space. We will be clean, professional, respectful and tactful. Learn it…Live it…Be Prompt! Be Prepared! Be Positive! Be Productive! Be Polite!
Evaluation and Grading:
This course is comprised of many components. Students will be expected to participate in classroom discussion, written assessments, exams, and projects- just to name a few. All students are expected to do their best at all times and reach out to the instructor if they need help or additional resources. All assignments will be weighted using the following scale:
Homework / Classwork / Quizzes - 25%
Tests / Projects- 25%
Internship / Lab- 25%
Participation / Attendance – 25%
*State VOCATs exam is counted as 25% of final course grade.
Internship
One of the unique strengths of our program is the structure of internship education experiences for students in both year 1 (EC I) and year 2 (EC II) courses. Internships are designed to be field studies off campus at childcare facilities, schools, businesses, and/or government agencies. These opportunities for real-life, hands-on experiences help students apply content, develop skills, and become more consciously competent early childhood professionals. Students have an opportunity to work in early childhood settings that engage them in both leadership and support roles under the supervision of a qualified site supervisor. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from internship locations.
Students are responsible for documenting their work experience by completing various assignments. Students are responsible for meeting specified due dates as outlined by both their instructor and site supervisor.
Students must maintain a current TB test and submit to a criminal record check. Students are expected to be professional representatives of the Early Childhood courses housed at the Career Center at all times and to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects well of the school. Dress should be casual, yet professional in class. On internship, you must wear the EC uniform. Stay tuned for more information.
Teaching strategies:
Lecture, Conversation, Real-life application, Power Point Presentations, Small Group Activities, Individual Activities, Brainstorming, Application Activities, and Out of Class learning experiences are all strategies that I employ.
Course Policies
Attendance: Attendance is essential. Attendance will be taken everyday. Tardies count. If a student misses half of the period, they are absent.We will adhere to the attendance policy as outlined by the CareerCenter administration. Excessive unexcused absences (5 or more) will result in receiving an F (administrative failure) for the quarter. When you are not here, all assignments must be made up within 3 days. It is the students responsibility to locate and make up missed assignments when absent. Many missed assignment can be located on the class website, however, much of what is done in class can not be made up. There for students may receive an alternate assignment at the instructors’ discretion or no credit for the assignment. Again, attendance is essential.
Technology: We will use all available technology resources in this class. This includes, but is not limited to computers, projectors, cameras, and recording devices. Many assignments will be submitted via email. Students will be expected to utilize a blog. Students should prepare themselves to embrace this technology and be prepared to take excellent care of all resources.
Preparation:Reading is fundamental to your success. Readings that are assigned are important and enable students to examine beliefs, explore theories, and debate ideas with fellow students and the instructor. Some assigned materials are to be read before coming to class. This will allow you to be prepared to participate fully. Exam questions will be taken from assigned reading material and classroom discussions.
Participation: It is important that we listen to and learn from each other; therefore, full and active participation is required as we create a community of learners. You are expected to add depth to discussions. Lack of participation gives the appearance of lack of interest and/or preparation. Participation in class discussions is required to earning a grade of A.
Written Assignments: Teachers must speak and write effectively; therefore, all writtenassignments must be in good form: check spelling, proofread, and stapled or paper clipped.Points may be deducted for inappropriate content and form. Typed work is expectedunless otherwise specified.
Please do not underestimate the importance of the above requirements. You are preparing to work in a profession that requires behaviors that include a commitment to timeliness, responsibility, cooperation and team work, prior planning, above average writing and speaking skills, and an attitude of respect. Earning a grade of A for this course requires more than earning A’s on all assignments; it additionally requires a demonstration of professional behaviors.