AC #5: Best Program Practices for Children & Families in Early Childhood    

CURRINS 585 (Credential Course #5)
3 cr. U/G

Gain a solid understanding of best practices including: integrating child growth and development theories, principles, practices and the latest research findings into all aspects of the program; establishing and maintaining quality in your program; creating a family-friendly community in your child care program; developing partnerships with parents; assuring multi-cultural and anti-bias approaches in curriculum, materials, activities and relationships; and designing space and selecting appropriate equipment.

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• Knowledge of child development theories and principles and the ability to apply them to quality programming
• Ability to plan for the development of the whole child physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually and artistically
• Knowledge of curriculum standards and early learning standards
• Knowledge of licensing, funding and accreditation requirements for quality programs and ability to apply them to program planning
• Knowledge of professional and ethical guidelines for best practice in early care and education programs and the ability to apply them to program planning
• Ability to plan for integration of a competent curriculum, materials and activities into all aspects of the program
• Knowledge of design principles and practices for the use of space in early care and education programs
• Ability to choose developmentally-appropriate supplies and equipment for early care and education programs
• Understanding of program evaluation and ability to apply it for program improvement
• Knowledge of environmental rating scales (e.g., ITERS, ECERS, etc.)
• Ability to plan for and implement a family-centered child care community
• Understanding of diverse cultures of families served and ability to apply this understanding to recruitment, staff development, organizational relationships and program planning
• Knowledge of how to establish and maintain good communication and partnerships with families and to promote strong and meaningful family involvement in the program

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