Course Syllabus

ECED 1010 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Volunteer State Community College

Fall, 2003

Class Hours: 2:20-4:10 Thursdays

Credit Hours: 2

Instructor: Dr. Susan Brandt

Work Phone: 615-452-8600 ext 3380

e-mail: sbrandt@volstate.edu Webct : http://vswebct

Description: An introduction to the early childhood profession including an emphasis on professionalism and developmentally appropriate practice. Includes an overview of history of early education, theoretical program models, different types of early childhood programs, community resources, professional organizations, and contemporary trends and issues in programs for children ages birth to nine. Field experiences required.

Outcomes:

The student will:

Demonstrate an understanding of the early childhood profession, its historical, philosophical, and social foundations and how these foundations influence current thought and practice.
Possess knowledge of the diversity of settings, teacher qualifications, types of employment, locations, etc. in the early childhood field.
Understand the importance of reflective thinking in becoming an effective early childhood teacher.
Recognize professional journals, websites, organizations, and community agencies that support the early childhood professional.
Recognize basic components of quality in an early childhood program setting.
Define developmentally appropriate practice in relation to age, individual, and social and cultural contexts.
Use knowledge of the teacher portfolio process to develop a beginning portfolio.
Identify the goals and basic components of several prominent, theoretical curriculum models (i.e. Montessori, High Scope, Reggio Emilia, Project Approach, etc.)
Know about and use the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct to resolve basic ethical dilemmas in early education.

Textbook:

Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education-George Morrison

Major Content Areas:

Professionalism
Developmentally appropriate practice
History of early education
Theoretical models
Types of early childhood programs
Types of early childhood career options
Community resources
Professional organizations
Contemporary trends and issues.
Teacher portfolios

Evaluation:

The student will:

Complete a child observation on one child using tools provided by instructor.
Observe in a high quality early childhood setting using a checklist for quality and write a critical report.
Interview teachers/caregivers/administrators in early childhood settings and write a report on findings.
Review and compile information on professional resources, websites, agencies, and organizations for professional growth in the early childhood field.
Write one journal article review.
Interview a parent about their experiences with early education programs.
Complete exams and tests on basic concepts and terms.
Begin a Teacher Professional Portfolio

Grading Scale:

Grades reflect student progress in course content.

90% - 100% = A         (Superior)
80% - 89% = B           (Excellent)
70% - 79% = C           (Average)
60% - 69% = D           (Passing, but below average)
Below 60% is an F       (Failure)

Grading Criteria:

300 points Field Experiences/Homework Assignments (50 points each)

Child Observation

Observation in Early Childhood Program

Teacher Interview

Professional Resources Review

Journal Article Review

Parent Interview

Others as assigned by instructor

100 points Portfolio (includes Self-Reflection Journal)

100 points Exams

500 Points= TOTAL

CLASS POLICIES

Class Procedures:

The class will be a mixture of lecture, discussion, in-class activities and class participation. The instructor will make every effort to work with students, but each student is expected to read assignments before class, pay attention, participate in class, and put effort into assignments.

Attendance/Participation Policy:

Each student is expected to be on time, attend all scheduled classes, and stay for the entire class session.
Coming to class late (after the instructor has taken attendance) and/or leaving early (before the instructor dismisses the class) counts as a tardy. Three (3) tardies count as one (1)absence
Any student who is absent is responsible for the content of the class missed and any assignments given. The student is encouraged to get notes and information missed from another student in the class or contact the instructor. Any handouts will be placed in the Extra Handouts Folder.
In-class assignments and quizzes cannot be made up.

5. The instructor’s grade book serves as the official record for grades and attendance.

Late Assignments:

Points will be deducted for assignments turned in late. Any assignment is late if not turned in during the class period in which it was due. Any assignment submitted after the instructor takes up the assignments will be treated as late work. Ten percent (10% of the total points for the assignment) will be deducted for an assignment not turned in on the due date. An additional 10% will be deducted for the second week the assignment is late. No assignments will be accepted more than two weeks late, and no assignments will be accepted beyond the last class period.

Neatness and Legibility

Spelling, punctuation, grammar, and legibility will be taken into consideration in grading all assignments. Assignments should reflect college-level work. Any assignment turned in that is not typed (or neatly written) or has numerous grammatical and/or spelling errors will be returned to the student ungraded. The student will need to resubmit the assignment, but will receive a reduction in points (see policy for assignments not turned in on the assigned due date).

Exams:

Exam dates are listed on the course outline. Each student is expected to take the exam on the exam date and to be on time for the exam. Exams are given at the beginning of class. Any student who cannot be in attendance on the exam day may take the exam in the Testing Center. Any student who arrives more than 10 minutes late will not be allowed to take the exam in class; they will be required to take the exam in the Testing Center. The instructor will take the exams to the center after the class session the exam is scheduled for. Any exam in the Testing Center must be taken within one week of the date when the exam was scheduled. 10% of possible points will be deducted from any exam taken in the Testing Center.

Cheating and Plagiarism:

Plagiarism and cheating are violations of the VSCC Student Code of Conduct. Any assignment or test that involves plagiarism or cheating will receive 0 points.

Questions about Graded Assignments:

There will be no discussion of the grade on any student’s assignment or exam during class time. If a student would like to discuss a grade on an assignment or exam, that student must see the instructor after class to discuss the assignment briefly or make an appointment.

Cellular Telephone/Pager Policy:

Please turn off cell phones and pagers during class.

Accommodations:

Volunteer State complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Consult with the office of Student Disability Services. If you need any accommodation(s) for this class, notify the instructor by the second class meeting.

Student Grading Totals