Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education

Part I Foundations

CHAPTER 1    Introduction to the Field of Early Childhood Education

Your Role as a Teacher-Education Student

Roles of the Early Childhood Professional

Current Issues Facing Early Childhood Professionals

Beginning the Journey

      SUMMARY

Application Activities


Websites




CHAPTER 2     Historical Overview: People and Beliefs That Shaped the Field

Historical Trends

Life in the 1600s: Harsh Traditions and New Ideas

Classroom View

Education in the 1700s: Romantic and Radical

Classroom View

Education in the 1800s: Kindergarten Is Born

Care or Education and the Separation of Early and Elementary Education

Moving Education Forward in the 1900s: Progressive and Developmental

Classroom ViewP

The Rise of Child Study

The Progressive Era Dawns

 Modern Movements and Trends

Today’s Issues

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Summary

Application Activities


 

CHAPTER 3     Professionalism in Early Childhood Education: Defining Best Practices

Classroom View

New section- Defining Professionalism: The role of associations


National Association for the Education of Young Children: NAEYC at Work

Foundation and Scope of NAEYC: promoting best practices

The DAP Framework: Theory and Practice

The Code of Ethical Conduct: History and Principles

Meaningful Applications: Using DAP and the Code

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Summary

Application Activities




CHAPTER 4     Constructivist Learning: Building Knowledge From Within

Classroom View

What Is Constructivism All About? The Big Picture

Here and Now: Contemporary Constructivist Beliefs

Piaget’s Contributions to Constructivism


Vygotsky’s Contributions to Constructivism


Beyond Piaget: Social Learning, Language, and Culture


Criticisms and Challenges of Translating Theory Into Practice


Strategies for Applying Constructivist Theory to Early Childhood Education

How constructivist teachers support family culture and diversity

Conclusion


Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead 


Summary

Application Activities




CHAPTER 5     Multiple Intelligences Theory: Applications in the Early Childhood Classroom

Classroom View 


Overview of Gardner’s Work


Intelligence and Creative Thinking

Defining Intelligence 


The Eight Multiple Intelligences: Many Kinds of Smart


Self-Reflection: Developing Our Intrapersonal Strength


Rethinking Education: A New Vision of Active Learning


Roles of the Teacher


Assessment 


Applying Multiple Intelligences in Early Childhood Education: Personalization and Diversity


Conclusion 


Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead 


Summary

Application Activities




Part II Models and Approaches

CHAPTER 6     Head Start and Early Head Start: Empowering Change From Within

Classroom View

Historical Perspective: The Start of Early Intervention


The Need for Social Renewal: Defining Characteristics


Head Start Program Standards


Does It Work? Evidence of Effectiveness


Current Trends and Implications 

Applying Head Start principles in any practice


Conclusion


Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead 


Summary

Application Activities




CHAPTER 7     The High/Scope Foundation: Planning, Implementing, and Reviewing Best Practices

Classroom View


Overview of High/Scope


Educational Programming


Teacher Roles 


Assessment


Inclusion and Cultural Responsiveness


Research


Considerations and Applications


Conclusion


Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead


Summary

Application Activities




CHAPTER 8     The Project Approach: Active Inquiry in Early Childhood

Classroom View 


Overview of the Project Approach


Explanation of the Parts and Process: How It All Fits Together


How Project Work Fits Into Current Beliefs About Good Practice

Applications With Young Children


Conclusion


Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead


Summary 

Application Activities




CHAPTER 9    The Schools of Reggio Emilia: A Child’s World

Overview of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy


Classroom View


The Schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy: History, Influences, and Relationships


Challenges to Reggio-Inspired Practice in America: Lost in the Translation?

The Reggio Emilia Approach and diversity

Inspired Applications: How Some American Educators Are Making the Leap


Conclusion


Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead


Summary

Application Activities




CHAPTER 10   Montessori Education: Environment, Materials, and Methods

Classroom View 


Who Was Maria Montessori? Auspicious Beginning and Lasting Legacy 


Basic Principles of the Montessori Method


Teachers’ Roles and Functions


Montessori Materials and Activities


Reflections, Controversies, and Accolade

Supporting diversity and family involvement


Applying Montessori principles and practices

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead


Summary

Application Activities




CHAPTER 11   Waldorf Education: Harmony and the Whole Child

Classroom View


The History and Philosophy of Waldorf Education


View of Child Development


Waldorf Early Childhood Programs


Early Childhood Teachers’ Roles


Curriculum


Diversity and Inclusion in Waldorf Education


Contemporary Issues: Debates about Waldorf Education

Inspirations for application from Waldorf practices

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead


Summary

Application Activities 




Part III Beginning the Journey

CHAPTER 12 Bringing It All Together: Imagining and Becoming

Guiding Principles for the Future: Respect, Enthusiasm, Commitment


Re-emphasize diversity, inclusion, play, standards, applying `best of the best’

Culminating the Text and Creating Your Portfolio

Conclusion

Application Activities 




Appendix A:       Historical Time Line Char


Appendix B:        Key Contributors Chart


Appendix C:        Guiding Principles Chart


Appendix D:       Multiple Intelligence Planning Web

Appendix E:        Sample Professional Portfolio Rubric

Appendix F:        “Look What’s Developing” Chart

References 


Index