Educating Young Children Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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

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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

1.  Beginnings & Beyond: Gordon/Williams/Browne ISBN-13: 9781305500969 (The Book)

Click to Access AC Bookstore

**NOTE - If you are an Education major - seeking teacher certification or if you are taking this course as an elective, feel free to purchase the ebook instead of the hard copy.  

Early Childhood Education / Child Development majors will use this same text for several courses in our CDEC program.

Supplies

• Computer/laptop with Internet access to Blackboard Learning

• Beginnings & Beyond Book - 11th Edition 

• Personal comprehension tools (highlighters, pencil, paper, pens, computer, etc)

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

Identify the features of a quality developmentally appropriate program for young children.

Explain contributions of historical and contemporary professionals and theorists to the field of early childhood education.

Analyze various early childhood programs and curricular models that have influenced practice.

Describe current and future trends and issues in the field of education.

Apply classroom observation and assessment skills to identify developmentally appropriate programs in diverse early childhood educational settings.

Describe and adhere to professional code of legal and ethical requirements for educators.

(Aligned with TEA - Early Childhood Educator Standards)

• Competency 001 (Foundations of Child Development): Understand foundational concepts of early childhood development from birth to age 8 and factors that influence student development. 

• Competency 002 (The Early Learning Process): Understand the developmental processes and characteristics of learning of young children from birth to age 8. 

• Competency 003 (Family Engagement): Understand the role and importance of the family in supporting the learning and development of young children from prekindergarten to grade 3 
   
• Competency 004 (Social Skills, Emotional Development, and Behavior Support): Understand how to create positive environments and relationships that help develop interpersonal skills, autonomy, and initiative to explore and learn in young children from prekindergarten to grade 3. 
   
• Competency 005 (The Instructional Setting): Understand how to create positive learning environments that promote the development and learning of young children in prekindergarten to grade 3. 

• Competency 006 (Differentiation Strategies in Planning and Practice): Understand how to identify and implement developmentally appropriate strategies and practices to effectively teach and engage young children from prekindergarten to grade 3. 

• Competency 008 (Developmentally Appropriate Assessment and Practice): Understand the types, selection, and uses of developmentally appropriate assessments and assessment practices to effectively support young children's learning in prekindergarten to grade 3. 

• Competency 009 (Progress Monitoring and Data-Driven Instructional Practice): Understand how to design, implement, and evaluate learning experiences and instruction in order to promote development and learning of all students in prekindergarten to grade 3. 

Students 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

• Active Learner:  Take part in the course regardless of setting.  You are responsible for due dates.  Please look at your learning as professional growth, not just a grade!

• Proactive:  Be proactive to situations that occur rather than reactive.  Please promptly let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  Use your Blackboard Calendar to stay organized.

• Academic Integrity:  Work honestly for your own benefit.  Make sure all required signatures are from the valid, certified personnel.  Ensure you provide proper citations for the work of others, including AI.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) NEVER replaces YOU!  However, you may use AI as a resource and/or tool for your development as an educator.  When AI impacts your ability to think critically, you are NOT using it as a resource and/or tool, and it defeats the purpose of the course!

  • You will earn a zero on any assignment or portion of an assignment that is not properly cited using APA formatting.  When you use AI, it MUST be cited… (AI Generator Used, topic, date generated)

**Example: (ChatGPT, classroom management, February 11, 2023).

• Punctuality: ALL ASSIGNMENTS are due on or before the due date. A maximum of 70% will be earned if submitted within 7 days of the original due date.  Zeros will remain in the gradebook after a week has passed.  (Note:  Module 8 assignments will not be accepted late.)

When Observing:  Wear some form of identification.  You represent Amarillo College and yourself, be professional and dress professionally.  Be gracious to the educators allowing you time to observe in their classroom.  DO NOT use technology of any kind during your observation.  Take anecdotal notes with pencil and paper.

IMPORTANT:  As part of this course, a criminal background check will be required to complete the 16 hours of observation.  As a student observer, you understand and agree that you must provide a driver's license, social security number, and date of birth to facilitate a background check.  

Grading Criteria

• All assignments are valued, therefore equally calculated.  

• NOTE:  16 Hours of active observation is required to pass the course. (TECA 1303, 1311, 1318)

  • As part of this course, a criminal background check will be required to complete the 16 hours of observation.  As a student observer, you understand and agree that you must provide a driver's license, social security number, and date of birth to facilitate a background check.  

• Punctuality: ALL ASSIGNMENTS are due on or before the due date. A maximum of 70% will be earned if submitted within 7 days of the original due date.  Zeros will remain in the gradebook after a week has passed.  

  • Note:  The above late policy does NOT apply to your Module 8 work.  All assignments are due on or before the due date or a zero will result.

• You will earn a zero on any assignment or portion of an assignment that is not properly cited using APA formatting, INCLUDING the use of AI.

• Grading Scale

• A =100-90

• B = 89-80

• C = 79-70

• D = 69-65

• F =  64-0

Attendance

• Your attendance is vital to your success in this course. 

• You will be expected to attend 3 class meetings (See Calendar below)

• Our classes will be interactive and engaging.  

• Attendance will be taken each class period.

Calendar

Additional Information

REMINDER:  You are required to participate in 16 hours of Observation Experience with children from birth - 12 in a variety of settings with varied and diverse populations.  This is a state mandated requirement.  You cannot pass this course without completing the 16 hours.

• Your Degree Checklist (For CDEC Majors) Click Here!

• IMPORTANT:  As part of this course, a criminal background check will be required to complete the 16 hours of observation.  As a student observer, you understand and agree that you must provide a driver's license, social security number, and date of birth to facilitate a background check.