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PSYC 416 Comparative Study of Early Childhood Program Models

This course focuses on a comparative study of traditional, current and culturally-based program models designed for children from birth through five years of age. Students are introduced to early childhood program models including: The Creative Curriculum, Reggio Emilia, Head Start, Montessori, High Scope, Waldorf, behavioral approaches to learning (Portage, Distar), early childhood family education, and school readiness.

Prerequisites

3 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 18, 2018 to present

Learning outcomes

General

  • Articulate the theoretical basis for the major program models.
  • Critically evaluate models in light of contemporary standards of quality.
  • Develop a plan for a high quality early childhood program using the best features of the curriculum models.
  • Evaluate program quality using a standard assessment tool-ECERS.
  • Identify curriculum models for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
  • Identify the key characteristics of the major early childhood program models.
  • Summarize the foundational research on the major early childhood curriculum models.

Spring 2025

Section Title Instructor books eservices
01 Comparative Study of Early Childhood Program Models Frankard, Heidi Lin Malloy Books for PSYC-416-01 Spring 2025 Course details for PSYC-416-01 Spring 2025