Educating Young Children Syllabus for 2017-2018
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

TECA-1311-002 Educating Young Children

Prerequisites

Course Description

An introduction to the education of the young child, including developmentally appropriate practices and programs, theoretical and historical perspectives, ethical and professional responsibilities, and current issues. Course content must be aligned as applicable with State Board for Educator Certification Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities standards and coincide with the national Assessment of Education Progress position statement related to developmentally appropriate practices for children from birth through age eight. Requires students to participate in field experiences with children from infancy through age 12 in a variety of settings with varied and diverse populations; and the course includes a minimum of 16 hours of field experiences.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Identify the features of a quality developmentally appropriate program for young children.
2. Explain contributions of historical and contemporary professionals and theorists to the field of early childhood education.
3. Analyze various early childhood programs and curricular models that have influenced practice.
4. Describe current and future trends and issues in the field of education.
5. Apply classroom observation and assessment skills to identify developmentally appropriate programs in diverse early childhood educational settings.
6. Describe and adhere to professional code of legal and ethical requirements for educators.

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Beginnings & Beyond:  Foundations in Early Childhood Education, by Gordon and Browne, 10th edition.  MindTap online code is required.

Supplies

Computer, printer,  and internet access.

Student Performance

Course Objectives:

1) Discuss the contributions of key historical and contemporary theorists to the field of early childhood education.

2) Explain the features of a developmentally appropriate program for young children

3) Define the development and define each of the four basic developmental areas.

4) Describe the types of early childhood programs.

5) Analyze future trends and issues of the early profession.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

 

Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures

•  Your participation helps you learn more and makes the class more interesting

• Feel free to ask questions. I am here to help you.  If you have obstacles that are making it difficult to complete assignments, call me at 806-363-0023.  There may be solutions or programs to help.

• Check out Amarillo College’s Student’s Rights and Responsibilities.

•  Respect and honesty guide this course.

•  There are several options available for tutoring.  The Writer’s Corner can help you with writing assignments. Ask your instructor if you need information about these programs that will help you prepare professional assignments and gain skills for your career.

•  If for some reason you are unable to complete this course, be sure to notify the instructor and the Registrar’s Office.

 

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale 90-100 % =A 80-89 %  = B 70-79 %  =C 60-69 %  =D Below 59% =F Text-MindTap Online Assignments  30% Observation Experience (Observation Reports and Completed Log Sheet)  70 % Background check/16 hours/completed log sheet mailed and received by the Instructor .  This is a state requirement for this class. You must make a copy to keep for your records and mail the original.  It must be received through the mail by the Instructor in Friona no later than December 5.                Send it in the regular mail to Patsy Allen, 1650 County Road E, Friona, TX  79035.  Completion of the log sheet documenting your observation hours and the observation reports is required to pass this class and receive credit. You will fail this class, regardless of your course average, without the observation hours and the completed Log Sheet. Points may be deducted for assignments that are submitted after the due date.

Before the end of the first week of class, complete a criminal history form and an affidavit form (must be notarized). The blank forms are available in the folder named Observation Information under the Lessons Tab in the online course or from the AC Child Development Lab School. Attach a $2 money order. Make the money order payable to the TX Department of Family & Protective Services (TDFPS). Be certain to use your full name and take a money order, not a personal check. You will need to complete all information, including your driver’s license number. If not, it will slow your approval. They cannot submit your request until you provide all information. Mail or take your completed forms and money order to the Amarillo College Child Development Lab School on the West Campus by August 29. AC Child Development Lab School P.O. Box 447 Amarillo, Texas 79178   Every student must have a background check on file that was completed through Amarillo College.  Even if you have done this process at another place of employment, you must have one at Amarillo College! If you have completed this process through AC within the last two years, I will send you an email verifying this information.   Do these things as soon as possible. They are due in the office at the Child Development Lab by August 29. Email me when you have submitted your documents. Observation Experience Each student is required to observe and log total of 16 hours over the course of the semester. Observations may take place in public and accredited private schools, and child care facilities. There is more information about where to observe and who to contact for scheduling in the Observation Information folder under the Content Tab of the online class. You will mail your original Observation Log Sheet to me as soon as you finish your 16 hours of observation. Make a copy to keep for your records. I must receive the form by December 5.  Mail the form one week before the due date to: Patsy Allen 1650 County Road E Friona, Texas 79035   You may observe Early Childhood up through the fifth grade. You may NOT observe above the fifth grade. This experience is a state requirement and students must complete 16 hours to have credit. FAILURE to do so will result in failure of this course. Since the focus of the course is about the concepts of educating children, students should focus this experience on concepts discussed in the course. Your observation hours should consist of visiting 6 different schools/facilities because you will prepare 6 different observation reports.  A list of Recommended Sites is included in the Observation Information section. You may spend an average 2-2.5 hours at each location. Some visits may be shorter, some longer. Remember the AC Lab School is available to complete observation hours. However, these must be scheduled ahead of time with the Director. The phone number is 806-356-3636. Remember to schedule all of your observation hours ahead of time. You must call the school or facility ahead of time to schedule a visit (not on the day you want to visit.) This shows you are a professional and are being considerate of those you want to observe. You need to send me a copy of your observation schedule as soon as you have it scheduled. If you are planning to observe in Amarillo Independent School District, please call Tammy Connor at 806-345-5585, before making any arrangements.  She will give you the names of schools where students are welcome to observe.   If you are observing in other school districts, take a copy of the letter in the Observation Documents folder.  If they have questions, they can call me at 806-363-0023. Include hours to observe outside and during other activities such as meals, snacks, or nap time. You will submit entries about your observations online and document the time and place of each entry on the Observation Log Sheet. Always have a supervisor sign your Observation Log Sheet.

Attendance

Check and review at http://catalog.actx.edu

1. This is an online class. Read and know the course syllabus. The syllabus is the contract for the class. You will complete the course assignments online. It is the student’s responsibility to participate as scheduled. 2. Students should log in at least 3-4 times per week to check mail,  messages and course announcements. It is important to be in contact to increase your successful learning. 3. Read the assigned chapters in the textbook or etext and complete all MindTap activities, quizzes, etc. with each chapter in the text. 4. Satisfactorily complete assignments observations, and assignments on the scheduled dates.  TIME MANAGEMENT IS AN IMPORTANT SKILL. THIS IS A COLLEGE CLASS. PLAN AHEAD TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS EARLY IN THE WEEK.   I know life can be unpredictable and emergencies happen; so, most of the assignments can be done and submitted in advance.     This gives you the opportunity to work ahead of the due dates, to give yourself a better chance of avoiding last minute emergencies.   5. COMPLETION AND VERIFICATION OF A 16 HOUR OBSERVATION EXPERIENCE AND JOURNAL ENTRIES ARE MANDATORY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A PASSING GRADE AND CREDIT FOR THIS COURSE.

 

Calendar

Additional Information