3 semester credits

Early childhood professionals understand that positive and supportive interactions with young children rightly place the young child at the heart of the learning and teaching process. In this course, early childhood professionals analyze developmentally appropriate approaches that reflect knowledge of how children develop and learn. In the role of leaders, they advocate and mentor by applying this knowledge to the planning of differentiated learning experiences that are responsive to young children's individual strengths and needs as well as their family and cultural contexts. They examine concepts and evaluate models of quality inclusive care and education for young children. They build awareness throughout the field of the vital importance of reflective, responsive, and intentional practice to support and nurture the healthy growth and learning of each individual child.