Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Services I

This course is for students who are interested in the Early Childhood Education profession and/or want to further their education while pursuing a related career in the field. The course introduces students to the child development theories and principles, current early childhood education issues, the role of the teacher working in special education programs, assessment/observation skills, and developmentally appropriate curricula and lessons. The program currently has a partnership with the Campagna Center of Alexandria, Virginia which is located on campus and services families in the community. Students also have the opportunity to work in Alexandria City Public Schools daycare classrooms. Students focus on career development and careers related to early childhood professionals through hands-on exploration, and special projects groups. Through combination of classroom instruction with an opportunity for service learning with our on-site preschool laboratory, students work with young children from the ages of six weeks to five-years old during the second quarter of this year long course. Students are required to have the updated tuberculosis (TB) shot, complete the CPR and First Aid training provided on-site. Fees are associated with this course.