Preface

Overview to this Textbook

Welcome to Introduction to Early Childhood Education. This textbook will cover the following topics based on Colorado Standard Competencies:

  • An understanding of professionalism in Early Childhood Education
  • The developmental milestones for children ages birth through 8
  • Best practices for health, safety and nutrition for young children
  • Developmentally and culturally appropriate practices for programs serving young children
  • Early childhood and special education terminology
  • Strategies for building relationships with families and community
  • Bias-free attitudes and practices for supporting diversity and inclusion in early childhood programs
  • Guidance techniques and classroom management strategy
  • Basic knowledge of national, state, and local regulatory agencies and quality initiatives
  • Child observation skills including direct and indirect observation and objective documentation
  • Links between observation and assessment to create individual learning goals
  • Importance of communicating observation and assessment information to families