Early Childhood Intervention Assistant

Historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children and teaching strategies in supporting physical, social, creative and intellectual development of children birth through age eight. Explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators emphasizing the key role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions. Identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. Introduces best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development.

Examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children both typical and atypical from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.

Laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children birth through middle childhood. Includes the teacher’s role in prevention strategies, first aid, emergency preparedness, infectious illnesses, nutrition and meal planning, integrating health safety and nutrition experiences into daily routines, overall risk management, school and family collaboration.

The processes of socialization focusing on development of identity and the interrelationship of family, school, and community. Examines the influence of multiple societal contexts. Explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence.

Professional application of the principles of human growth and development, learning theories, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice in the study of a play-based and inclusive curriculum. Students will plan learning experiences in all content areas, including indoor and outdoor settings, the facilitation and guidance of all children’s experiences based on developmentally appropriate principles, and to support children’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and creative needs from birth to age eight within a cultural context.

Introduces the variations in development of infants and children with exceptional needs and the resulting impact on families. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with exceptional needs, and the identification and referral process. Assessments, interventions, and learning environments for infants and children with exceptional needs.

A study of infants and toddlers from preconception to 36 months including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. Applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. Examination of best practices, responsive caregiving techniques, environments, infant/toddler learning foundations, health, safety, and licensing requirements.

Practicum lab experience with young children under the supervision of an ECE/CD faculty and other qualified early education professionals where students will demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Child centered, play-oriented approaches to teaching, learning and assessment; knowledge of curriculum content areas, and reflective practice will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement and evaluate approaches, strategies, techniques, and experiences that promote positive development and learning for all young children. Includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities.

Direct experience working with young children in special day classes or inclusive settings; application of intervention strategies and best practices of early childhood development and special education in adapting curriculum to meet the individual needs of children. Observation of the assessment process by the special education team and assisting in the implementation of the educational plan. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working in partnership with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence. Lab hours required in an inclusive classroom setting.