Early Childhood Education

Define the early childhood education profession. The student will be able to:

 Identify rules and regulations governing childcare. The student will be able to:

Plan a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment. The student will be able to:

Plan food service and nutrition education. The student will be able to:

Identify and describe the procedures for reporting child abuse and neglect in accordance with state regulations. The student will be able to:

Identify principles of typical and atypical development (birth through age eight). The student will be able to: 

Identify various observation and recording methods. The student will be able to:

Recognize appropriate methods of guidance. The student will be able to:

Identify how nutrition, environment, heredity, and health status influence the development of the child. The student will be able to:

Demonstrate appropriate use of current technology utilized by childcare professionals. The student will be able to:

Define and demonstrate the components of an effective lesson plan. The student will be able to: 

 Define and demonstrate professionalism. The student will be able to:

Demonstrate observation and recording methods. The student will be able to:

Discuss the history of school-age childcare and the development and diversity of school-age children. The student will be able to:

Describe developmentally appropriate care and activities for infants and toddlers. The student will be able to: 

Identify and demonstrate how schedules, spaces, and experiences create environments that enhance children’s total growth and development. The student will be able to:

Identify the characteristics of an environment that is conducive to language use and acquisition. The student will be able to:

Identify developmentally appropriate practices for programs serving children from birth through age eight. The student will be able to:

 Display professional relationship skills. The student will be able to: 

Analyze recent trends/developments in brain research and its impact on early learning. The student will be able to:

Identify communication skills related to childcare. The student will be able to:

Create, implement and evaluate lesson plans. The student will be able to:

Plan developmentally appropriate activities for infants and toddlers. The student will be able to: 

Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate physical development activities for preschool children. The student will be able to:  

Plan, implement and evaluate cognitive development and general knowledge activities for preschool children. The student will be able to:

Plan, implement and evaluate creative expression through the arts with developmentally appropriate activities for preschool children. The student will be able to:

Guide the social and emotional development of preschool children. The student will be able to:

Identify developmentally appropriate care giving environments for children with special needs. The student will be able to:

Implement food service and nutrition education. The student will be able to:

Plan, establish, and implement a developmentally appropriate emergent literacy program. The student will be able to:

Develop intercommunication with family and childcare professional. The student will be able to: 

Demonstrate the ability to motivate children. The student will be able to:  

Demonstrate compliance of rules and regulations governing childcare. The student will be able to:

Obtain certifications in Pediatric/Adult First Aid and CPR AED Training. The student will be able to: 

Apply knowledge of program elements needed to create a developmentally appropriate curriculum. The student will be able to:

Create an environment that is conducive to language use and acquisition. The student will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to interact professionally with families and staff. The student will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to maintain a commitment to professionalism. The student will be able to:

Provide a Professional Portfolio using state and/or national criteria. The student will be able to:

Plan and implement preschool classroom management techniques. The student will be able to:

Demonstrate effective employability skills. The student will be able to:

Create, analyze and interpret a child study. The student will be able to: 

Demonstrate activities that are bias-free, violence-free and from a multicultural perspective. The student will be able to:

Identify early childhood education career opportunities. 

Compare roles and responsibilities of the childcare center team members.  

Identify the important role childcare givers play in the development of each child in care. 

Identify the need for quality childcare and the benefits to children, families and communities.

Discuss the evolution of the childcare industry.  

 Define and demonstrate professional conduct (i.e.: appropriate dress, language, cell phone etiquette, social media presence, confidentiality, ethical responsibility, etc.) as it relates to childcare profession. 

Recognize the stakeholders in the childcare profession (i.e.: ELC, licensing agencies, etc.).

Identify the different types of childcare facilities and licensing requirements.  

Identify the components of the Florida Statutes as they relate to areas of childcare standards. 

Identify local and state licensing agencies and their responsibilities.

Identify local and state fire, safety, sanitation, and health regulations. 

Identify minimum state standards for screening owners, operators, staff, and volunteers of childcare centers.

Identify and discuss current childcare issues and proposed laws and ordinances that govern state and local licensing and inspection of childcare facilities.

Identify information concerning child discipline in State Rule 65C-22.001-008. 

 Identify methods of compliance with rules and regulations governing childcare givers. 

Identify and describe characteristics of a safe, sanitary, healthy childcare environment.

Describe ways to assist children with personal hygiene routines.

Complete a checklist to evaluate safety and sanitation procedures/routines.

Recognize potential safety and fire hazards and develop a procedure to prevent accidents.

 Identify characteristics of a healthy child. 

Identify and describe symptoms of childhood illness and communicable diseases.

 Identify the components of and perform a “10 second health check” for children. 

Describe and simulate the procedures for administering medication. 

Complete a medication permission form.

Describe ways in which the spread of disease in childcare settings can be prevented.

Demonstrate how to communicate with parents who continue to send children to childcare when they are sick.

 Identify and describe regulations for transporting children.

Outline the steps for proper use of fire extinguishers (i.e.: students watch a video, observe someone else demonstrate, etc.).

Identify and practice standard precautions. 

Describe and practice age-appropriate procedures for the different types of emergencies (i.e.: evacuation, lockdown, shelter in place, active assailant, identify hard-corners, etc.).

Use appropriate telephone numbers in a simulated emergency.

Follow and understand how to complete an accident/incident form using established procedures.

Discuss methods to promote positive attitudes and skills for daily routines for children.

Summarize best practices within the center to conserve environmental resources.

Identify and describe components of a playground safety checklist.

 Identify the nutritional needs of infants through school age children (birth through age eight).

Identify and plan nutritious snacks and meals for infants through school age children (birth through age eight).

Describe safe and sanitary food service habits in assisting with mealtime routines.

Identify foods that are potentially dangerous for young children’s consumption.

 Describe how to encourage positive food choices and good eating habits for toddlers through school age children. 

Use United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) current guidelines as a tool for planning nutritious meals

Identify guidelines for purchasing, receiving, storing, and safety of foods as defined in Department of Children and Families administrative rule, 65C-22.

Recognize age appropriate nutrition education activities. 

Describe physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse as defined by Florida law. 

Discuss the data regarding statistics as they pertain to child abuse at state and national levels. 

Identify the most common physical and behavioral indicators of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.

Identify the factors, multiple forces, and most common risk factors for child abuse and neglect.

Identify the characteristics of abusers. 

Identify the impacts and effects of child abuse and neglect. 

Describe the legal requirement and protection provided to childcare workers in reporting suspected child abuse and neglect according to Florida law (ie. Mandatory reporting, etc.). 

Identify state and local guidelines and procedures for reporting child abuse and neglect.

Identify the necessary information for completing a mock report of child abuse and neglect and how to submit the report.

Identify local community resources that provide help for the abused and the abuser.

 Recognize the reporting requirements of at-risk children (i.e.: children in protective services, human trafficking, Riyla Wilson Act FS 39.604, etc.).  

 Identify the examples of human trafficking and the physical and behavioral indicators associated.   

Compare and contrast the characteristics of typical and atypical development. 

 Describe the principles and stages of development.  

Describe the characteristic of children ages birth to eight in the following domains: physical development; approaches to learning; social and emotional; language and communication; and cognitive development and general knowledge.

Discuss circumstances and factors that put a child at risk for developmental delays.

Identify and describe theories of human development including cognitive psychosocial, socio-cultural, psychoanalytical, and behaviorist.

Identify observation techniques and methods used in a childcare setting. 

 Discuss the differences between observations, screenings, developmental assessments, and developmental evaluations. 

Discuss the importance of including the family in the collection of information for observations. 

Identify the steps for conferring with parents when a developmental delay is suspected.

 Discuss the importance of confidentiality of child/family records. 

Identify and describe methods of guidance of children’s behavior at age-appropriate levels.  

Differentiate methods of direct and indirect guidance (i.e.: concepts of room arrangements, transitions, routines, etc.).

Distinguish between appropriate/inappropriate methods of guiding behaviors by the childcare professional.

Discuss the importance of communicating with families regarding expectations of children’s behavior (i.e.: NAEYC and DAP, etc.) guidelines.

 Investigate current information on child nutrition, the environment, heredity and discuss their effect upon the development of a child. 

Discuss how a child’s health status influences development.

Describe the importance of physical fitness to health status and development.

Demonstrate appropriate use of technology by childcare professionals (i.e.: online assessments, lesson plans, presentation software, etc.).

Analyze appropriate uses of current technology in a childcare setting.

Identify and demonstrate proper use of Florida childcare training website (www.myflorida.com/childcare).

Create a developmentally appropriate learning activity.

Explain the importance of professional development, ethical standards, accreditation, confidentiality, credentialing, professional organization membership/participation, and self-reflection for childcare professionals.

Identify and use job-related childcare terminology.

Participate in regular self-assessment including attitude and performance.

Demonstrate exemplary behavior and social skills as a positive role model for children

Distinguish between professional and unprofessional behavior when serving as a role model for children.

Describe legal issues and liability as they relate to childcare professionals (i.e.: social media posts, confidentiality, etc.).

Identify and review resources on the National Association for the Education of Young Children Website (www.naeyc.org).  

Observe teaching situations depicting ethical problems and use the NAEYC Code of Ethics to propose potential solutions.

Identify and describe various teaching methods and learning styles for effective teaching practices.

Analyze appropriate observation methods and tools for recording (i.e.: anecdotal records, running records, checklists, etc.).

Observe, record, and report the behavior of children using various observation tools. 

Describe the need for school-age childcare and how it has evolved.

Describe different types of programs available for children before and after school; during summer; and on school holidays.

Explain the professional characteristics of a school-age caregiver. 

Explain why and how individual children may overlap both younger and older chronological programs. 

Examine how a caregiver can plan to meet the social, emotional, physical and cognitive needs of school-age children. 

Discuss the School Age Professional Certificate Credential.

Explain visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile stimulation activities. 

Describe and plan activities that stimulate gross and fine motor development.

Identify age-appropriate nutritional snacks.

Review appropriate feeding, diapering, toilet training, bathing, dressing, and grooming techniques. 

Demonstrate/simulate sanitary procedures in feeding, changing diapers, toileting, and maintaining the environment for infants and toddlers. 

Evaluate all aspects of an environment that provides opportunities for children to learn through their play. 

Assist with planning and evaluating schedules that include active and quiet times, individual, small, and large group experiences, as well as, child and adult initiated activities.

Implement techniques for facilitating children’s successful participation in all aspects of a program. 

Describe how major theories of human development provide a basis for planning a program.

Use an appropriate vocabulary that increases in complexity and variety.

Describe the importance of vocabulary development in young children. 

Use proper grammar when speaking to parents and/or children.

Identify the stages of language acquisition. 

Model and reinforce correct grammar. 

Create a lesson or activity that promotes appropriate language acquisition.

Create a lesson or an activity which promotes vocabulary development

Identify and summarize various methods of curriculum for young children.

Define developmentally appropriate practices.

 Discuss the importance of learning through play. 

Describe learning centers used in developmentally appropriate environments. 

Identify the stages of play development (i.e.: solitary, parallel, associative, cooperative)

Define and model the concept of active learning. 

Define and model the concept of active listening. 

Identify traits of positive self-image, self-esteem, and self-growth.

Create intrapersonal goals and exhibit responsibility toward achieving goals.

Describe and display ways to show empathy, understanding and caring (i.e. bullying, bias, cultural awareness, etc.).

Identify appropriate strategies that enhance respectful, reciprocal relationships between children, families, and co-workers (i.e. honesty, integrity, etc.)

Describe the needs and strengths of a diverse work place.

 Demonstrate effective conflict resolution skills.  

Explain common terms and concepts related to brain development and the formation of neuronal connections.

Use the internet to prepare a list of recent resources pertaining to brain research. 

Identify effective communication skills used with children including interacting positively with each child and dialog with children as a group, using active listening, open-ended questioning, activities, and teachable moments.

Identify ways to promote positive interaction between the family, childcare professionals and community (i.e. networking, newsletters, written communication, etc.). 

Research criteria for creating an age appropriate lesson plan. 

Research or develop evaluation criteria for the lesso

Demonstrate an understanding of Florida’s birth to five learning standards.

Incorporate all five learning domains in lesson plans.

Evaluate the need for differentiated instruction (i.e. enrichment, accommodations, IEP, etc.) to meet the needs of individual students.

Plan and evaluate activities for infants and toddlers across all domains (i.e.: social-emotional, cognitive, etc.)

Describe specific strategies for meeting the emotional needs of infants and toddlers.

Describe the stages of physical development. 

Select and use appropriate equipment and materials that promote physical development.

Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate fine and gross motor activities.

Plan and implement activities which promote self-help.

Plan and implement activities which promote health and wellness 

Analyze the role language and communication plays in cognitive development in young children.

Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate mathematical thinking activities.

Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate scientific inquiry activities.

Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate social studies activities. 

Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate music activities. 

Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate creative movement activities. 

Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate art activities.

 Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate dramatic play and theatre activities.

Demonstrate effective, positive guidance techniques for guiding behavior (i.e.: role-play, etc.).

Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate self-concept activities.

Plan, implement and evaluate developmentally appropriate activities that promote multicultural and dimensions of diversity awareness. 

Plan, implement, and evaluate activities that model and promote the concept of self-control/self-regulation and social problem-solving

Demonstrate behavior toward children that is caring, non-abusive, and builds self-esteem and responsibility.

Plan and implement developmentally appropriate character building activities

Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities that model and promote positive relationships with self, peers and adults. 

Demonstrate an awareness of trauma-informed care and practices (ACE Study- Adverse Childhood Experience Study).

Identify accommodations that would be appropriate for children with special needs in a variety of learning situations. 

Research and identify agencies that assist/support families with the referral process (i.e. FDLRS, Child Find, Early Steps, etc.)

Identify the process for conferring with parents when a developmental delay is suspected.

Identify adaptations to include children with special needs in classroom activities.

Explain physical, intellectual and behavioral developmental delays and their impact on growth and development. 

Research strategies and accommodations for inclusion of children with special needs in classroom activities.

Plan and/or prepare nutritious snacks and meals for infants through school age children.

 Practice safe and sanitary food service habits in the preparation of snacks and meals. 

mplement age appropriate nutrition education activities.

Identify characteristics of a classroom environment that promote emergent literacy.

Demonstrate appropriate phonological awareness teaching practices.

Demonstrate appropriate teaching practices for alphabet knowledge.

Demonstrate appropriate comprehension strategies.

 Illustrate and explain the stages of emergent writing.

Identify an environment that supports age-appropriate letter writing.

Model appropriate manuscript writing and structure of written composition.

 Create activities that promote phonological and phonemic awareness. 

Create activities that promote understanding of letter names and sounds.

Create activities that promote comprehension strategies.

 Create activities that support age-appropriate early writing.  

 Research, plan and implement activities which promote language and communication.  

Plan an environment that supports emergent reading and writing. 

Explore and use ideas for establishing a healthy relationship with each child’s family.

Identify ways of communicating with family.

 Identify intentional practices and strategies to become acquainted with the family; describe ways parents can be involved in the program; ways to share goals for the child with the family and teacher, the philosophy of the center, and curriculum objectives. 

Plan and implement family involvement activities to meet the diverse needs of families. 

Model and implement effective communication skills to use with employers/administration, childcare professionals and parents/guardians of children.

Plan, implement and evaluate a variety of motivational techniques that encourage children to fully participate.

 Create activities that promote active listening skills in children. 

Implement the use of open-ended questions when communicating with children.

 Compare and contrast local oversight agencies (ie: Head Start, ELC, Health Department, etc.) as related to early childcare programs. 

Model compliance with rules and regulations of childcare. 

Monitor compliance with rules and regulations governing childcare givers. 

Demonstrate techniques used for First Aid.

 Demonstrate appropriate CPR AED techniques for infant/child.

 Demonstrate appropriate CPR AED techniques for adults. 

Demonstrate the ability to identify children’s needs, interests, and abilities. 

Develop a program philosophy, including goals and objectives.

Assist with planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities and routines. 

Simulate appropriate techniques for seizure management and positioning techniques.

 Create opportunities for children to converse freely. 

Facilitate and monitor conversations between adult/child and/or child-to-child, to encourage increasingly complex sentences and phrases.

Provide occasions for children to follow two- and three-step instructions.

Create opportunities for children to gain meaning by listening and answering open-ended questions.

Establish and demonstrate positive and productive relationships with families and staff.

Demonstrate techniques to be a competent communicator and co-worker.

Research effective communication skills between all populations (i.e. ASL, ELL, etc.)

Research current trends and issues in Early Childhood Education.

Articulate professional goals (i.e. value, vision and passion).

Identify various types of accreditation standards and their importance in the field of early childhood education.

Identify opportunities (i.e. networking, trainings, re-certification, professional organizations, etc.) for continuing education and professional development.

Analyze ethical decisions (i.e. NAEYC, Florida Code of Ethics for Teachers, etc.)

Research agencies that advocate on behalf of children and families (i.e. Children’s Defense Fund, Council for Exceptional Children, etc.).

Produce an autobiography.

Develop a professional philosophy as an early childhood education teacher.

Develop six competency goal statements according to State and/or National Guidelines. 

Compile a resource collection according to State and/or National Guidelines.

Develop and implement a scope and sequence to meet short and long-term goals (i.e.; scheduling, calendar, themes, etc.). 

Identify appropriate teaching techniques to meet various learning styles.

Identify developmentally appropriate supplies and teaching materials. 

Evaluate and arrange learning centers for a variety of activities.  

Assist with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate special events such as field trips, cultural activities, and holiday programs. 

Maintain accountability and confidentiality of children’s records.

Identify and demonstrate developmentally appropriate classroom management strategies (i.e. predictable routines, scheduling, transitions, and learning).

Identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors needed to be employable.

Develop a personal career plan that includes goals, objectives, and strategies.

Examine licensing, certification, and industry credentialing requirements.

Identify opportunities and research requirements for career advancement and ongoing professional development. 

Practice employability skills using online resources to prepare for interviews.

 Understand the impact and importance of your digital footprint as it relates to employment.

dentify career appropriate attire. 

Collect data using multiple sources (i.e.: observations, developmental checklist, assessment tools, writing samples, etc.). 

Analyze multiple sources and interpret results to develop interventions/accommodations.

Participate in a parent’/teacher conference and share results. 

Demonstrate techniques that show respect for the child’s family makeup, cultural background, and religious beliefs.

 Plan and implement methods to prevent and/or confront bias in the early childhood program as it relates to gender, race, ethnicity, and persons of varying abilities.

 Integrate activities that build children’s self-concept into daily, weekly, and monthly plans.

Plan and implement activities, interest areas, and projects that are bias-free, culturally diverse, and developmentally appropriate for children.