Early Childhood Education

The Stratford Early Childhood Education Program defines good learning experiences for young children and offers approaches to help the adult working with the children make them happen. Our program is specifically designed for teachers, administrators, parents, social workers, and others who work with young children.   More Information

Early childhood education is discussed in terms of what is known about the developmental needs of young children and how the awareness of developmental needs can be used to plan early childhood programs.

Specially prepared early childhood education training materials allow you to study at home. You work on your own time and at your own pace. As a student of this diploma program, you will benefit from up-to-date training materials and clear and concise study guides which have been prepared by experienced professionals. Whenever you have a question concerning your studies a qualified instructor is available for you on our toll-free telephone line.

Working with children brings out one’s own spirit of delight and adventure. You see the world through fresh eyes, and gain the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the building of new human beings who will carry the benefits of your warmth and skilled guidance throughout their lives. What better way could there be to earn a living?

Course Material

The Growth & Purpose of ECE

Sources of Support for Programs

Defining Quality in Early Childhood Programs

Children - Age-Related Commonalities

Children with Special Needs

Working with Parents of Special Children

The Families

The Needs of Families

Communicating with Families

Family Involvement & Parent Education

The Teachers/Caregivers

The ECE Teacher/Caregiver

Training and Regulation in ECE

Some Current Issues and Dilemmas

Rationale Supporting ECE

Influential People & Theorists in Child Development

The Montessori Program

The Bank Street Approach

The Cognitively-Oriented Curriculum

The Reggio Emilia Approach

The Bereiter-Engelmann Model

Research Support for ECE

Goals, Objectives and Evaluation

The Physical Environment

Arranging the Indoor & Outdoor Environment

Developing Appropriate Equipment

Developmentally Appropriate Materials

Parents’ Role in the ECE Environment

Scheduling the Program and Curriculum Planning

Guidelines for Program Scheduling

Types & Flexibility of Schedules

Definition of Curriculum

Developing Written Plans

Creative Development Through the Curriculum

Definition of Creativity

An Environment That Encourages Creativity

Parental Values for Creativity

Factors That Decrease Creativity

Physical Development Through the Curriculum

Components of Motor Development

Gross Motor Activities

Fine Motor Activities - Manipulatives

Sensory Activities

Caring for the Body

Cognitive Development Through the Curriculum

Theoretical Foundations of Cognitive Development

Enhancing Infants’ Cognitive Development

Language Development Through the Curriculum

Theoretical Views of Language Development

Components of Language

Bilingualism

Language and the ECE Curriculum

Social Development Through the Curriculum

Theoretical Views of the Socialization Process

Development of Social Competence

Sociodramatic Play

Cooperative Games

Reflecting the Family’s Culture and Values

Guiding Routines and Group Activities

Arrival and Departure Times

Meals and Eating Behavior

Diapering and Toileting

Sleep and Rest Times

Parental Concerns About Routines

Factors That Affect Group Behavior

Transitions

The Unusual Situation

Guiding Social Behaviors

Philosophies & Techniques of Guidance

Important Definitions

The Difference Between Normal and Problem Behavior

Factors That Affect Children’s Behavior

Dealing With Specific Behavior Problems

Working With Parents to Solve Behavior Problems

Helping Children Cope with Stress

Sources of Stress in Children’s Lives

Children’s Reactions to Stress

Techniques to Help Children Cope With Stress

Helping Families Cope With Stress

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