EASTERN MICHIGANUNIVERSITY

Department of Teacher Education

Course Title:  ECE 600  TRENDS & ISSUES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION       2 Semester hours            Graduate

Catalog Description:

Contemporary issues and trends in the field of Early Childhood Education are examined in view of historical, social, and political influences.  Program approaches, philosophies, and curricular models are considered in relation to research implications and societal needs.

Prerequisites:  None

Theme: Eastern Michigan University advanced professional education programs develop leaders who demonstrate reflective thought and scholarship within the context of a culturally diverse society.  In addition, the early childhood education (M.A.) program addresses the extended knowledge of how to develop and implement age appropriate and individually appropriate curriculum and teaching practices from birth through age eight. 

Course Objectives:

1.  Demonstrate an understanding of the role of historical, social, and political influences on contemporary programs for children from birth through age eight.

2.  Articulate the implications of research related to early childhood education on optimal programming for young children.

3.  Differentiate between various curricular approaches and the strengths and weaknesses of each.

4.  Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of meeting the needs of all children, birth through age eight, including children with varying capabilities and from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

5.  Discuss the need for continuity across age levels in programs for young children birth through age eight.

6.  Describe the need for, and ways to implement, developmentally appropriate practices in programs for young children.

7.  Identify ways professionals in the Early Childhood field can become advocates for young children and their families. 

8.  Articulate the current state of childcare in this country and the need for quality early childhood settings staffed by knowledgeable professionals.

9.  Formulate responses to ethical dilemmas that occur in early childhood settings. 

Content Outline:

I.          Early Childhood Education as a Field of Study

                        A.  Definitions:  Current and Past; National and State

                        B.  Overview of Program Approaches

                        C.  Societal Needs and Early Childhood Education

II.         History of Early Childhood Education

                        A.  Early Educators in Europe

                        B.   Beginnings in America

                        C.  The Evolution of U.S. Programs for Young Children

III.       Research Relevant to Early Childhood Education

                        A.  Curricular Research; Implications

                        B.  Research on Teaching Practices;  Implications

                        C.  Current Research:  Results and Directions

IV.       Current Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education

                        A.  Precursors and Influences on Trends and Issues

                        B.  Evaluating and Prioritizing Current Trends and Issues

                        C.  The Child Care Dilemma  Quality, Compensation and

                                    Affordability

                        D.  NAEYC Accreditation for ECE Programs

                        E.  The Role of the Classroom Teacher in Finding Solutions;                                                      Implementing Improvements;  Looking Ahead

                        F.  Finding Ethical solutions to difficult problems

V.        Planning for the Utilization of Community and Home Resources

                        A.  Parent Involvement/Education

                        B.  Working with Young Children and Their Families From

                                    a Variety of Cultural Backgrounds and Needs

                        C.  Support Services for Early Childhood Programs

VI.       Advocacy for Young Children and Their Families

                        A.  Early Childhood Educators as Advocates

                        B.  Strategies for Change

Instructional Procedures:

            The course is primarily lecture/discussion.  Students are responsible for outside readings and then contributing to both large and small group discussions.  Selected readings are of historical significance and allow students to reflect on current best practices for young children based on research and past trends. 

Student Evaluation Activities:

1.  Investigation of a prominent person, program, organization, or practice important to the field of early childhood education.

2.  Review of the literature paper on a current topic related to ECE

3.      Final Exam

4.       Web Caucus participation

5.  Class participation

Assignments:

Eastern Michigan University   ECE 600
Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education

Review of the Literature Assignment

There are many topics we will discuss this semester. The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with an opportunity to investigate one topic in depth.  Almost any topic related to Early Childhood Education is acceptable.  Some examples of acceptable topics are:

            The effects of divorce on young children

            The response of corporate America to the need for child care

            The pressure to push down curriculum in the early years

1.  Read a minimum of ten (10) professional journal articles addressing your chosen topic.  At least four different sources must be used..  At least one-half of the references should be 1996 or later.

2. You will summarize each article in a one page double spaced format. Include the complete American Psychological Association (APA) reference at the top of each review and a reference page as the end listing all 10 articles in alphabetical order

3.  After reviewing each of the 10 articles, compile a 4-6 page summary of the topic drawing from all of your readings.  The central question to answer is, after reading the ten articles, what is the current state of the research on this topic?   Include references in the summary.  Your total paper should be a maximum of 20 pages.  (10-12 pages for article reviews, 6 page summary, reference page.)

4.  We will devote time in class for students to share their findings from their readings with classmates in a small group format.  During this  informal sharing you should include:

Evaluation:  See attached rubric.  This assignment is worth 40 % of your final grade. 

EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

ECE 600     Trends & Issues in Early Childhood Education

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ASSIGNMENT

NAME____________________________________

YOUR REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE WAS EVALUATED USING THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:     

10 or more articles were reviewed          & presented in
alphabetical order.  List of references is included                                    2

At least six different sources were used                                                2
with 50% being from 1996 or later  

There are no spelling or grammar errors                                    4         

APA style was used consistently throughout                                           8

Journals are research based and are appropriate                               8
for a graduate level review                                         

References were cited and included                                                                 8                      in the summary

Summary reflects your growth and knowledge gained              8

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Total_____

                                                                                                                                    40

 

revised   9/02  KMP