ECE/205 - Developmentally-Effective Learning Environments

Course Description

This course examines developmentally-effective strategies used to create a positive and active early childhood learning environment for young children, birth through age 8. Topics include classroom management techniques, motivational strategies for young children, family/school relationships, instructional planning and assessment, and arranging an effective learning space. Participants develop a classroom management plan for an early childhood setting.

This undergraduate course is 5 weeks.

PLEASE NOTE:
Attendance and participation are mandatory in all university courses, and specific requirements may differ by course. If attendance requirements are not met, a student may be removed from the course. Please review the Course Attendance Policy in the Catalog for more information.

This course is not available for enrollment to residents of Alabama, Arkansas, and Kentucky.

Course Objectives

Classroom Management Techniques in the Early Childhood Setting

• Identify appropriate behavior and safety standards for young children.
• Analyze the relationship between expectations and behaviors for young children.
• Develop classroom rules that support a safe and effective learning environment that fosters mutual respect for all.
• Analyze the influence that relationship of family, culture, and society have on early childhood classroom management.
• Develop strategies for managing off-task behaviors.
• Demonstrate communication skills that support children in solving problems and making good or appropriate choices.
• Create a classroom management plan for an early childhood setting.

Enhancing Student Motivation to Learn in Early Childhood

• Develop learning activities to engage and motivate children.
• Identify types of motivation, including intrinsic and extrinsic, that support student engagement while learning.
• Discuss ways to incorporate student interests in daily activities.
• Identify appropriate types of play in the classroom.
• Develop centers that meet learning standards for young children.

Communicating with Family Members in the Early Childhood Setting

• Analyze and discuss approaches to family engagement and involvement in student learning.
• Describe strategies for engaging parents in setting developmentally appropriate rules and consequences at home.
• Identify effective communication strategies to use with families.
• Plan an activity to support a home–school connection.
• Identify and discuss the benefits of family involvement.

Incorporating Effective Instructional Planning and Assessment in Early Childhood

• Demonstrate an appreciation for diversity to include adaptations and modifications of instructional planning to meet the individual needs of young children.
• Describe the appropriate use of adaptive or assistive technology to support young children’s full access to the school community (such as materials, media, or technology).
• Create learning activities that employ technology.
• Identify the effective uses of observation as a form of assessment.
• Discuss different forms of formal and informal assessment in the classroom.

Arranging an Effective Learning Environment in the Early Childhood Setting

• Design an effective and safe classroom environment that makes the best use of space.
• Design a safe and effective outdoor play environment.
• Design learning centers that focus on using different modalities.
• Examine early childhood setting designs that minimize negative behaviors.

Notes

The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.

Although our continuing teacher education courses are accepted by some state agencies in the United States toward teacher certifications and endorsements, this may not be the case in all states or foreign jurisdictions. If you plan to use courses for certification or endorsement, please check with your own state agency and your school district for applicability. Continuing teacher education courses are not eligible to apply to degree programs at University of Phoenix. These courses are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

While widely available, not all courses are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. More information about eligibility requirements, policies, and procedures can be found in the catalog

Disclaimers

The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.

Although our continuing teacher education courses are accepted by some state agencies in the United States toward teacher certifications and endorsements, this may not be the case in all states or foreign jurisdictions. If you plan to use courses for certification or endorsement, please check with your own state agency and your school district for applicability. Continuing teacher education courses are not eligible to apply to degree programs at University of Phoenix. These courses are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with an Enrollment Representative.