Course Outline for Early Childhood Development 34
Foundational Language Development: Preschool/TK Foundations

Effective: Fall 2025
SLO Rev:

Catalog Description:

ECD 34 - Foundational Language Development: Preschool/TK Foundations

1.00 Units

Introduction to the foundational language development sub-domain of the language and literacy development domain in the California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations. It includes the strands of listening and speaking, foundational literacy skills, reading, and writing. Provides practical considerations for implementing curriculum developed for this sub-domain. Applicable to required or professional development units for Child Development Permit holders, pre-school, transitional kindergarten, and early-primary teachers.
Strongly Recommended: ECD 50.
CB03: TOP Code 1305.00 - Child Development/Early Care and Education*
CIP Code 13.1210 - Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
Course Grading: Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 1.00 18.00 36.00 54.00
Total 1.00 18.00 36.00 54.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. define the roles of the California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations: Language and Literacy Development subdomain Foundational Language Development in the education of young children and their relationship to the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), California Common Core State Standards for kindergarten and Content Standards for California Public Schools (kindergarten);
  2. use knowledge of the foundational language development sub-domain to select materials and plan meaningful experiences in the classroom to promote children’s learning and use of language and literacy skills and concepts;
  3. describe opportunities to use listening and speaking, foundational literacy skills, reading, and writing into daily routines and across all areas of the curriculum;
  4. discuss the ways teachers collaborate with parents and other caregivers to support children of diverse backgrounds and abilities in their development of language, foundational literacy skills, reading and writing.

Course Content:

  1. Introduction to the California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations: Language and Literacy Development Domain and Foundational Language Development sub-domain
    1. Purpose and use
    2. Relationship to the California Common Core State Standards for kindergarten and Content Standards for California Public Schools (kindergarten)
    3. Relationship to Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP)
  2. Foundational Language Development strands
    1. Listening and speaking
    2. Foundational literacy skills
    3. Reading
    4. Writing
  3. Implementation of the Foundations
    1. Planning based on observation of children's interests, skills and abilities
    2. Daily experiences and routines as a vehicle to provide diverse opportunities for children to learn and use listening, speaking, reading, and writing and foundational literacy skills.
    3. Selection of books, materials, supplies to provide literacy rich environments
    4. Integration of language development and literacy opportunities into daily routines and across all areas of the curriculum
  4. Supporting English language learners in developing English literacy skills
  5. Partnering with parents and other caregivers to include meaningful experiences designed to promote language and literacy in children of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

 

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Class and group discussions
  2. Hands-on Activities
  3. Lecture/Discussion
  4. Group Presentations
  5. Distance Education
  6. Online Assignments

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Plan meaningful and developmentally appropriate language and literacy experiences through written curriculum proposals.
  2. Select appropriate language and literacy, materials, and opportunities based on observations of individual children.
  3. Write newsletter article explaining foundational language development to parents, and giving suggestions on how they can support literacy at home.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Class Participation
  2. Exams/Tests
  3. Written assignments
  4. Group Projects
  5. Final Examination or Project
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Describe and demonstrate the role of California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations in the education of young children.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Child Development Division, California Department of Education (2024). California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations: Language and Literacy Development (First/e). Child Development Division, California Department of Education https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/cd/re/documents/ptklflanuageliteracydev.pdf.
  1. Child Development Division, California Department of Education (2024). California Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations Introduction (First). Child Development Division, California Department of Education..
Additional Materials:
  • N/A

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Introduction to the foundational language development sub-domain of the California P/TK Learning Foundations; learn about language development from listening and speaking to reading and writing, and gain practical strategies for implementing curriculum. Use for required units/professional development for Child Development Permit holders, pre-school, TK, and early-primary teachers.
Strongly Recommended: ECD 50.

Discipline:
Child Development/Early Childhood Education*