Course Description
Critical analysis of the social, economic, and political trends in the education of very young children, birth to age 8. Examination of state and national public policy, and social and political movements and the resulting influence on the care and education of young children.
Athena Title
PERSP YNG CHD:0-8
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Evaluate the impact and efficacy of local, state and national initiatives. Characterize the outcomes of dynamic economic trends Examine the influence of comprehensive educational services for children 0 to 8 years. Critique political and legislative change and its effect on early learning Assessing standards and credentials for early childhood practitioners and programs
Topical Outline
National and state prekindergarten initiatives; Impact of welfare reform; Changing workforce issues; Non-school based education efforts (e.g., Head Start, Early Head Start, Even Start); Influences of legislative mandates on educational services (e.g., McKinney Act, IDEA, Education Reform); Access and affordability of early care; Quality standards for early learning environments (e.g., teacher credentials, class size); Political influences of multiple stakeholders (e.g., parents, private school, school districts, professional organizations); Alternative educational approaches (e.g., year round schooling, looping, vouchers); Continuity in early education; Effects of shifting demographics on our students (e.g., teenage mothers, homeless children, foster care); Interagency collaboration (e.g., juvenile justice, Department of Family and Children's Services); Values, beliefs and ideological influences on changes in the education of very young children; Topics will be responsive to emerging social, political and economic issues