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JoLynn Fiorentino
This course is targeted toward individuals wishing to operate a family day care center, and it covers topics including the fundamentals of early childhood development; the importance of play and Developmentally Appropriate Practice; and the significance of building strong family-educator relationships and how to achieve them.
Read more
This course is targeted toward individuals wishing to operate a family day care center, and it covers topics including the fundamentals of early childhood development; the importance of play and Developmentally Appropriate Practice; and the significance of building strong family-educator relationships and how to achieve them.
Read more
This course is targeted toward individuals wishing to operate a family day care center, and it covers topics including the fundamentals of early childhood development; the importance of play and Developmentally Appropriate Practice; and the significance of building strong family-educator relationships and how to achieve them.
Since a Family Policy Handbook is essential for anyone operating a family day care center, this course includes the development of one of three imperative sections of the handbook. The remaining two sections are created in subsequent courses of the Home-Based Childcare series available on Coursera.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/4u8cr4/introduction
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction: Family Policy Handbook Project
The intention of this module is to introduce you to the Home-Based Child Care Final Project, including the rubric which will be used to score your final project submission.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction: Family Policy Handbook Project
The intention of this module is to introduce you to the Home-Based Child Care Final Project, including the rubric which will be used to score your final project submission.
Read more
Foundations for Early Childhood
In this module, we define Developmentally Appropriate Practice and discuss the importance of play in early childhood. We also outline the domains of children's learning.
Family Engagement
In this module, we discuss teacher/family relationships, including ways to communicate and involve families in early childhood programs.
Observation and Assessment of Children
In this module, we will explore the use of observations in early childhood settings along with the varied assessments utilized and their purpose. In addition, we will look at developmentally-appropriate assessment strategies.
Guiding Children's Behavior
We will explore factors that influence behavior in this module. We will also discuss the importance of regular, predictable, and positive learning environments along with various guidance techniques for young children.
Inclusion and Diversity
This module is geared toward understanding strategies for teaching in an inclusive setting, recognizing culturally-diverse classrooms and establishing anti-bias curriculum.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines family day care centers in detail, covering their policies, procedures and more
Taught by JoLynn Fiorentino, who recognized for their work in Home-Based Childcare
Takes a creative approach to an otherwise established topic, field, or subject
Useful for personal growth and development
Covers fundamentals of early childhood development
Develops a strong foundation for beginners
Save this course
Save Introduction to Early Childhood to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Early Childhood with these
activities:
Recall your understanding of early childhood development
Show steps
Since the course builds up on your existing knowledge of early childhood development, it's important to review what you already know to ensure you're ready for the course and can grasp new concepts easier.
Browse courses on
Early Childhood Development
Show steps
-
Grab a pen, paper, and a cup of your favorite drink.
-
Start writing down everything you can think of when it comes to early childhood development.
-
If you need help, consult your notes, books, or do some quick research on the internet.
-
Review any lectures or readings from previous related courses.
Review 'Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs' by Sue Bredekamp
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood settings, which is a key concept covered in the course.
Show steps
-
Locate a copy of the book.
-
Read through the book, taking notes on the key concepts.
-
Summarize the main ideas of each chapter in your own words.
-
Identify any areas of the book that you find particularly helpful or challenging.
Follow online tutorials on topics related to the course
Show steps
Online tutorials can provide additional support and explanations on specific topics covered in the course.
Show steps
-
Search for online tutorials on specific topics related to the course.
-
Choose tutorials that are reputable and provide clear explanations.
-
Follow the tutorials carefully and take notes on the key concepts.
-
Pause the tutorial when needed to reflect on the information or to do some research.
-
Complete any practice exercises or quizzes associated with the tutorials.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join or create a study group
Show steps
By joining a study group or creating your own, you get the opportunity to review course material together with your peers.
Show steps
-
Reach out to classmates through the course platform or social media.
-
Suggest meeting either in person or virtually on a regular basis.
-
Create a schedule that works for everyone's schedule to ensure consistency.
-
During each session, take turns discussing the course material and quizzing each other.
-
Stay engaged and focused during your study sessions.
Complete practice problems related to the course topics
Show steps
Working through practice problems will reinforce the concepts covered in the course and identify areas where you still need more practice.
Show steps
-
Check the course materials for any practice problems or assignments.
-
Search for additional practice problems online or in textbooks.
-
Set aside dedicated time to work through the problems.
-
Seek help from your instructor or classmates if you get stuck.
-
Review your solutions to identify any errors or areas where you need more practice.
Volunteer at a local early childhood center
Show steps
Volunteering will provide you with hands-on experience working with children and observing early childhood practices.
Show steps
-
Identify a local early childhood center that is accepting volunteers.
-
Contact the center and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Complete any necessary training or background checks.
-
Show up on time for your volunteer shifts and be prepared to work with the children.
-
Be respectful of the staff and children, and follow all safety guidelines.
-
Reflect on your experiences and how they relate to the course material.
Create a presentation on a specific topic related to the course
Show steps
By creating a presentation, you can synthesize your understanding of a particular topic and share it with others.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific topic related to the course that you are interested in.
-
Research the topic thoroughly using reliable sources.
-
Organize your research into a logical flow.
-
Create visual aids to support your presentation.
-
Practice your presentation to ensure it is clear and engaging.
-
Share your presentation with your classmates or the instructor.
Develop a Family Policy Handbook for a family day care center
Show steps
Creating a Family Policy Handbook is a major deliverable for this course, and working on it throughout the course will help you synthesize your learning and apply it to a practical scenario.
Show steps
-
Gather information about the different sections of a Family Policy Handbook.
-
Draft the different sections of the handbook, including policies on child care, discipline, health, and safety.
-
Get feedback on your draft from your instructor or classmates.
-
Revise and finalize your handbook.
-
Submit your handbook to your instructor for assessment.
Recall your understanding of early childhood development
Show steps
Since the course builds up on your existing knowledge of early childhood development, it's important to review what you already know to ensure you're ready for the course and can grasp new concepts easier.
Browse courses on
Early Childhood Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Grab a pen, paper, and a cup of your favorite drink.
- Start writing down everything you can think of when it comes to early childhood development.
- If you need help, consult your notes, books, or do some quick research on the internet.
- Review any lectures or readings from previous related courses.
Review 'Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs' by Sue Bredekamp
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood settings, which is a key concept covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Locate a copy of the book.
- Read through the book, taking notes on the key concepts.
- Summarize the main ideas of each chapter in your own words.
- Identify any areas of the book that you find particularly helpful or challenging.
Follow online tutorials on topics related to the course
Show steps
Online tutorials can provide additional support and explanations on specific topics covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for online tutorials on specific topics related to the course.
- Choose tutorials that are reputable and provide clear explanations.
- Follow the tutorials carefully and take notes on the key concepts.
- Pause the tutorial when needed to reflect on the information or to do some research.
- Complete any practice exercises or quizzes associated with the tutorials.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join or create a study group
Show steps
By joining a study group or creating your own, you get the opportunity to review course material together with your peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reach out to classmates through the course platform or social media.
- Suggest meeting either in person or virtually on a regular basis.
- Create a schedule that works for everyone's schedule to ensure consistency.
- During each session, take turns discussing the course material and quizzing each other.
- Stay engaged and focused during your study sessions.
Complete practice problems related to the course topics
Show steps
Working through practice problems will reinforce the concepts covered in the course and identify areas where you still need more practice.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Check the course materials for any practice problems or assignments.
- Search for additional practice problems online or in textbooks.
- Set aside dedicated time to work through the problems.
- Seek help from your instructor or classmates if you get stuck.
- Review your solutions to identify any errors or areas where you need more practice.
Volunteer at a local early childhood center
Show steps
Volunteering will provide you with hands-on experience working with children and observing early childhood practices.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a local early childhood center that is accepting volunteers.
- Contact the center and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Complete any necessary training or background checks.
- Show up on time for your volunteer shifts and be prepared to work with the children.
- Be respectful of the staff and children, and follow all safety guidelines.
- Reflect on your experiences and how they relate to the course material.
Create a presentation on a specific topic related to the course
Show steps
By creating a presentation, you can synthesize your understanding of a particular topic and share it with others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific topic related to the course that you are interested in.
- Research the topic thoroughly using reliable sources.
- Organize your research into a logical flow.
- Create visual aids to support your presentation.
- Practice your presentation to ensure it is clear and engaging.
- Share your presentation with your classmates or the instructor.
Develop a Family Policy Handbook for a family day care center
Show steps
Creating a Family Policy Handbook is a major deliverable for this course, and working on it throughout the course will help you synthesize your learning and apply it to a practical scenario.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information about the different sections of a Family Policy Handbook.
- Draft the different sections of the handbook, including policies on child care, discipline, health, and safety.
- Get feedback on your draft from your instructor or classmates.
- Revise and finalize your handbook.
- Submit your handbook to your instructor for assessment.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Early Childhood will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Family Childcare Provider
Family Childcare Provider
This course will provide extensive help with learning how to create a Family Policy Handbook, a key document for any Family Childcare Provider. A large part of this role involves creating a structure and set of guidelines for a daycare center, much like a Family Policy Handbook provides.
Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher
Much like an Early Childhood Educator, Preschool Teachers will lead children in play and learning activities, using Developmentally Appropriate Practices to ensure that children are developing skills and knowledge in all the different domains. This course on the foundations of Early Childhood will help teachers understand how to build strong family relationships, creating an inclusive environment for every child.
Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Educator
An Early Childhood Educator is responsible for implementing and promoting the very same principles that are discussed in this course. Coursework on how to observe and assess children while also guiding their behavior is essential for this role. Early Childhood Educators need to ensure that they are creating a safe and nurturing environment that allows children to play and take part in Developmentally Appropriate Practices.
Childcare Director
Childcare Director
Childcare Directors can use the knowledge they gain from this course to better prepare for roles as daycare center managers. Many skills and principles taught in this course are directly applicable to the day-to-day realities of this role's responsibilities. A Childcare Director will likely delegate many of the tasks involved in the functions of a family day care center, such as building relationships with families and using observations to assess children, but they still need to have an in-depth understanding of the "how" and "why" of these parts of a center's operations.
Head Teacher
Head Teacher
Head Teachers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum for their students, while also supervising other staff members. This course will help prepare someone for this role by giving them the foundation in Early Childhood development and best practices.
Home Visitor
Home Visitor
Home Visitors get to build close relationships with the families they work with, helping to educate parents on how to support their children's development. This course will help Home Visitors better understand what parents are going through and how to provide them with specific guidance and resources to ensure the child's success.
Nanny
Nanny
Nannies can use this course to develop a better understanding of early childhood development, how to build a strong relationship with a family, and how to observe and assess a child's development. This course will help a Nanny to create an enriched and supportive learning environment for a child, so that the child's needs are constantly being met.
Inclusion Specialist
Inclusion Specialist
Inclusion Specialists are responsible for helping to create inclusive environments that meet the needs of all children. This course on inclusion and diversity will help Inclusion Specialists understand how to create a space where every child feels valued and supported.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants work with families, schools, and other organizations to provide guidance on early childhood education. This course will help Educational Consultants understand the principles of early childhood development and how to assess and support children's learning.
Child Development Specialist
Child Development Specialist
Child Development Specialists need to have a strong understanding of early childhood development, as well as how to create and implement family-centered intervention plans. This course will provide a solid foundation in these essential areas.
Early Intervention Specialist
Early Intervention Specialist
Early Intervention Specialists help children who have developmental delays or disabilities. This course will provide a foundation in early childhood development, which is essential for understanding how to help these children.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists working with young children may find this course helpful for building a stronger knowledge base about early childhood development. Coursework on how to observe and assess children while also guiding their behavior is essential for this role.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists working with young children may find this course helpful for building a stronger knowledge base about early childhood development. Coursework on how to observe and assess children while also guiding their behavior is essential for this role.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers working with children and families may find this course helpful for understanding the principles of early childhood development. Additionally, this course will provide insight into how to best support families and advocate for children's needs.
Pediatrician
Pediatrician
Pediatricians may find this course helpful for developing a better understanding of early childhood development. This knowledge can be helpful when providing guidance to parents on how to support their child's development.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4u8cr4/introduction
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Early Childhood.
Comprehensively covers developmentally appropriate practice, which key topic in this course.
Save
Examines the critical role of play in children's development and learning. It emphasizes the importance of creating playful learning environments, which key topic in this course.
Valuable summary of the current research about effective early childhood education practices. It provides a solid research background for the information provided in this course.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of child development from infancy through adolescence. It would be especially useful for those who are new to the field of early childhood education.
By Leah Kuypers introduces the Zones of Regulation, a widely-used framework for teaching students social and emotional skills.
Save
Serves as a comprehensive guide to the development of intelligence in children from birth onward. Steven Pinker provides a deep dive into the cognitive processes that underlie learning and development.
Save
Focuses on the practical aspects of observing and recording children's behavior. It includes helpful tips and strategies for documenting children's progress and development.
Offers a comprehensive overview of educational psychology, providing a strong foundation for understanding how children learn and develop. It covers topics such as motivation, learning theories, and assessment.
The Whole-Brain Child analyzes child development in a holistic way, focusing on neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology.
Helpful for learners interested in gaining essential knowledge about children's literature.
Provides learners with a wealth of information about animals, which can give them more background knowledge for this course.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4u8cr4/introduction
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 2.5 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The State University of New York
Instructor
JoLynn Fiorentino
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Home-Based Child Care. It's comprised of three courses:
- Introduction to Early Childhood (viewing)
- Child Care as a Business
- Health and Safety of a Home-Based Childcare Center
Good to know
Examines family day care centers in detail, covering their policies, procedures and more
Taught by JoLynn Fiorentino, who recognized for their work in Home-Based Childcare
Takes a creative approach to an otherwise established topic, field, or subject
Useful for personal growth and development
Covers fundamentals of early childhood development
Develops a strong foundation for beginners
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