Current Issues in Early Childhood Education – EDEC 653
CG • Section 8WK • 07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
An examination of current standards and exploration of controversies related to early childhood education.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
During His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated the importance of early childhood education: “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:13–14, KJV).
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (8)
Discussions (7)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate will write an analysis of the assigned Ethical Dilemma from the Morrison textbook. The candidate's analysis will be supported by: reading material, current related sources, and Scripture; and pertinent, conceptual, or personal examples. The thread must be at least 400 words. The candidate will then read and reply with at least 250 words to at least 2 of his/her classmates. Initial thread must include at least two citations and references and responses must include at least one citation/reference. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)
Discussion: Course Reflection
A final course reflection will be written by the candidate as related to the School of Education’s (SOE) Conceptual Framework. This reflection must be at least 400 words in current APA format. (CLO: A, G)
Reading Summary Assignments (7)
During each module: week of this course (except the last module: week), the candidate will write a summary of each week’s assigned chapter from the Gonzalez-Mena textbook. In addition to summarizing the content presented, the candidate will discuss the viewpoints included in the chapter as well as how the content relates to at least one of the NAEYC Program standards. All summaries must be written in current APA format, the body of the paper should be at least three pages in length. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)
Issues Essay Assignments (3)
The candidate will browse position statements on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website (www.naeyc.org) and choose 1 position statement as the topic of his/her Issues Essay. There are 3 parts to this assignment:
Discussion: Issues Essay - Topic Approval
The candidate will submit the topic of the Issues Essay to the instructor for approval. This will be done through the discussion board. Every candidate must have a different topic for the Issues Essay. Topics will be approved on a first come, first served basis. (CLO: B, C, D)
Issues Essay: References Assignment
The candidate will have at least 3 references that help discuss the NAEYC position statement. This will be turned in as an annotated bibliography. (CLO: B, C, D)
Issues Essay: Submission Assignment
After completing the other parts of this assignment, the candidate will submit his/her completed Issues Essay. The 5-page essay must include a title page and a current APA formatted reference page (which is not included toward the final page count) and will inform on an issue that is relevant to young children. (CLO: B, C, D)
