Course Description
Course Description: Developing curriculum in early childhood education requires educators to have a thorough understanding of child development, early learning standards, and the principles of developmentally appropriate practices. Early educators also recognize the importance of planning the learning environment and the role of family engagement. This knowledge enables early educators to plan effective and engaging learning experiences for all children.
In this course, the learner will practice using observations of children and knowledge of the Vermont Early Learning Standards to develop and implement a learning sequence with activities and experiences that integrate all learning domains and support relevant goals and objectives for children’s individual learning needs. Through required assignments and application in classroom settings, the student will demonstrate their abilities to assess children’s learning, evaluate curricula, and plan a learning environment. Additionally, they will learn to identify opportunities for engaging families to support their young children’s learning and development. In this course, the student will review and analyze several pedagogical approaches for developing and implementing early childhood curriculum and apply this knowledge to enhance their own approach to planning and teaching. Additionally, the student will learn how to plan a curriculum that integrates various disciplines, including the visual arts and creative expression. Strategies for promoting young children’s social and emotional development and for including children of all abilities will be explored.
Another focus of this course is on becoming a professional and adhering to a code of professional ethics.
Audience: Aspiring and current early childhood and early childhood special educators with an earned bachelor’s degree
Session Information
• September 19th 8:30-3:00 (in person)
• October 3rd 8:30-3:00 (synchronous virtual via Zoom)
• November 7th 8:30-3:00 (in person)
• December 5th 8:30-3:00 (synchronous virtual via Zoom)
• Weekly Asynchronous learning activities on Canvas
Instructors
Cathy Siggins, M.Ed.
Cathy Siggins, M.Ed.
Cathy is an instructor in the VT-HEC Early Childhood Education Program. She was among the first graduates of this program back in 2007, achieving an initial teaching license in Early Childhood Special Education. Cathy then completed her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with UVM in 2009. Cathy has taught preschool in both public and private school settings, and has held a variety of roles as an adult educator, including mentor, trainer, and college instructor. Currently, in addition to working as an early education outreach teacher, she is mentoring teachers seeking their initial early childhood licensure through peer review.
Additional Content Area
Course Goals:
This course focuses on five major areas of teaching and learning:
(1) examining various curriculum models and approaches to early childhood education,
(2) designing inclusive, safe, and engaging physical and social environments to support children’s growth and development,
(3) creating developmentally and individually appropriate learning opportunities and assessment strategies that are evidence-based and address Vermont’s Early Learning Standards,
(4) understanding the importance of building relationships with children, their families, and colleagues, and
(5) becoming a professional by articulating a personal philosophy of teaching and learning, using ethical standards, and adhering to state and federal regulations and requirements.