CIEC 6340 Issues and Trends in Early Childhood Education

This course is designed to examine recent issues and trends in early childhood education. Supporting culturally responsive education, examining one’s own biases, professional ethics, and advocacy are some of the topics that are explored. Integrating multicultural and anti-bias perspectives as well as incorporating the diverse cultures of children and families into the early childhood classroom are important concepts for all early childhood teachers to understand. Additionally, the course includes studying educators’ ethical responsibilities and how to use the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Code of Professional Conduct and Statement of Commitment as a guide for solving ethical dilemmas. Graduate students will also learn their legal and professional responsibilities regarding reporting abuse and neglect to the NJ Division of Children and Families. The role of the early childhood teacher as advocate for children, families, schools, communities and the profession is explored, as well.

Credits: 3.0