Introduction to early childhood education classes teach child care workers about developmentally appropriate practices they can use in an early childhood classroom setting. The differences of what is appropriate with infant, toddler, preschool and kindergarten children are explored. Workers learn about room arrangement, curriculum design and assessment, and the parent-teacher partnership.
This type of hands-on course teaches child care workers how to use expressive arts in the child care setting. This can include music and visual arts, and their role in the development of small children. This type of course also explores the importance of diversity in the classroom, as it relates to the diverse learning styles of children.
Coursework in health, safety and nutrition addresses creating a safe environment in the center, communicable and non-communicable diseases in children, and emergency care and awareness. The issue of nutrition is explored, as some child care centers have workers who exclusively prepare meals, and in others the classroom teacher must do it.
Coursework in language and literacy teaches child care workers about language development, including listening, speaking, reading and writing. It also examines how child care workers can help nurture and extend these new skills in young children. Students in this type of class will come away knowing how to design early language experiences and literacy activities to use in the classroom.