ECU143 - Preschool Methods

Subject Title
Preschool Methods

Subject Description
As its title indicates, this introductory subject will examine all aspects of an Early Childhood Education Program: Time, Space, Things, and People. Students will have the opportunity to plan, implement and evaluate learning experiences for preschool children. Special emphasis will be placed on child centred approach to teaching that facilitates active learning, and the role of Learning Centres in a preschool program. Another title for this subject could be "Playing to Learn", as this dominant activity for children will be our focus throughout the semester.

Credit Status
This is an Early Childhood Education Diploma Program prescribed subject. To obtain credit, both ECU143 and EFP143 must be completed at a passing level.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Develop an understanding of their role as early childhood educators.
2. Explore methods of generating experiences for young children, methods of implementing these experiences, and methods of adapting these experiences based on childrens responses.
3. Observe how young children demonstrate the way they think about and respond to the world around them.
4. Develop problem solving skills in themselves and in children.
5. Develop conversation skills, which further develop child-initiated experience.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the value of play and the early childhood educator?s role in facilitating it.
7. Understand the importance of using raw materials for facilitating and exploring all curriculum areas, i.e. Language, science, math, blocks, problem solving and dramatic play.
8. Assess children?s developmental levels, related to logical concepts.
9. Discuss the interrelationship between self-concept and learning.
10. Be familiar with the ideas of Piaget and their impact on developmentally based program planning and implementation.
11. Discuss the skills required to meet the needs of individuals in small groups.
12. Understand the elements of physical environments, which facilitate child-initiated experience.
13. Examine the relationship between the allocation of time in a child?s day and the opportunity for self-directed learning.
14. Understanding and incorporate in their planning and programming, techniques which support the development of self-esteem and pro-social behavior.
15. Develop a repertoire of open-ended experiences, which foster exploration and growth in young children.

Academic Integrity
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Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

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