Psychological Foundations of Early Development and Education

Course Description:

This course examines the psychological and psychosocial foundations of early childhood and relates these foundations to educational practice with young children, birth to eight years. It focuses on historical and contemporary theories of childhood development. Early learning is considered in relation to biological factors, child and family factors, program factors and social factors, particularly in diverse urban settings. Young children’s physical, cognitive, communicative, social and emotional development is explored as contributors to and as consequences of early learning experiences.

Artifact

Analysis of Child Development Commentary Paper

Social Foundations of Early Care and Education

Course Description:

This course provides an overview of the social context of early care and education. It focuses on the historical, philosophical, sociological, and political foundations of programs for young children, birth to eight years. The following topics will be explored in depth: historical and contemporary theories of early childhood education; multicultural and social ecological factors in early care and schooling, particularly for diverse urban settings; early childhood programming; family and community involvement; advocacy, trends and current issues in early childhood practice. This course requires 30 hours of fieldwork.

Artifact: Advocacy Project