STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Apply knowledge of growth and development of young children birth through age 8.

 2. Use methods for observing, documenting and assessing all children`s development and behavior.

 3. Plan and use developmentally and culturally appropriate educational activities for all children.

 4. Identify appropriate methods for interacting with and guiding all children.

 5. Demonstrate knowledge of family systems and methods for establishing relationships with all families.

 6. Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively with other early childhood professionals.

 7. Apply ethical practices appropriate for early childhood professionals.

 8. Compare and contrast early childhood education models in an educational setting.

 9. Demonstrate compliance with Colorado Rules and Regulations in Early Care and Education .

 10. Utilize technology for documentation and communication.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. Developmental progress in young children

     a. Social/Emotional

     b. Physical

     c. Cognitive/Language

     d. Creative

     e. Child development theories

 II. Observation and assessment

     a. Observation and assessment to inform teaching practices

     b. Ethical considerations with observation and assessment

     c. Observation methods

         i.  Anecdotal records

        ii. Running records

       iii. Case studies

        iv. Checklists

         v. Time sampling

        vi. Event sampling

       vii. Charts

      viii. Children`s portfolios

 III. Developmentally appropriate activities for all children

     a. Individual, large, and small group activities

     b. Routines and transitions

 IV. Interaction and guidance strategies

     a. Promotion of verbal and non-verbal expressive language

         i. Self-talk and parallel talk

        ii. Open-ended questions and concept expansion

       iii. Descriptive vocabulary

        iv. Body Language

         v. Sign language

     b. Positive adult to child interactions

     c. Positive child to child interactions

     d. Direct guidance strategies

     e. Indirect guidance strategies

     f. Ethical considerations with interactions and guidance practices

 V. Family relationships

     a. Strategies for communication with families

     b. Ethical considerations when working with families

 VI. Positive working relationships

     a. Teamwork

     b. Confidentiality

     c. Ethical considerations in working relationships

 VII.  National, state, and local regulatory oversight and agencies

     a. Knowledge

     b. Compliance