In this course, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of curriculum planning and execution tailored for children aged two to five years. Through the course, participants will employ their understanding of child growth and development to elevate their teaching strategies, refine the design of learning environments, and effectively implement best practices within the field of early childhood education. It equips aspiring educators with the tools to provide young learners with a rich and developmentally appropriate educational experience, setting a strong foundation for their future academic success.
Format: 26 hours of Zoom/19 hours of online
Requirements and Expectations of Students:
100% Completion of Online Sessions: All online sessions should be completed according to the syllabus. students must have completed the online sessions by the last day of class in order to receive credit toward their final grade.
100% Participation: Each participant is expected to contribute to class discussions in an active and professional manner, supporting the participation of other class members. Your contributions are to be based on an informed and professional position.
100% Attendance: State requirements, specify that students must complete 45 hours of training. This is an interactive class, attendance is not only important but vital. An excused absence must be approved by the instructor. Certain family emergencies may qualify for an excused absence. Missed classes may affect your final grade and will prohibit you from receiving your certificate.
There is a minimum enrollment of 5 students in order for this course to proceed. All classes are non-refundable.
*Maryland Providers*
This Methods and Materials Training (this is the instructor-led version of the online Curriculum training) satisfies half of the MSDE requirement of 90 hours for child care teachers and directors. This course and a 45-hour growth and development course are required to complete the 90-hour certification for child care. If you have been issued a voucher from MSDE for this course it MUST be completed 2 weeks before the expiration date that is on your voucher. Please check your voucher for this date. Training Approval number PSO-30299 Aligns with MD Staff Credential levels 2-4. Earns 4.5 CEUs/45 clock hours.
*Don't see an upcoming session date available? No worries! Contact our office and we can work with you to schedule an upcoming session. Minimum number of participants required.*
Upcoming & running sessions:
No sessions are currently scheduled for this course. It requires an in-person session with an instructor — please check back soon, or request a group session.
Previous sessionsBy the end of this training, the learner will be able to:
- Define print knowledge as it relates to a preschool classroom.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how genetics and environment influence child growth and development.
- Demonstrate understanding of an IEP and removing barriers
- Demonstrate knowledge of how setting up the environment can impact accessibility for all children.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how ongoing preventive health and wellness care affects child development
- Identify and demonstrate an understanding of National and State school readiness models and positions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of approaching parents as equal partners in learning.
- Demonstrate understanding of inclusionary practices for anxiety in the child care setting.
- Explain the consequences for children experiencing negative interactions and vocal tones in the classroom.
- Describe the five critical needs for children to develop optimal emotional health
- Demonstrate an understanding of facilitating resources and activities for families.
- List resources and the referral process for preschoolers with a suspected/diagnosed disability.
- Identify ways to examine child behavior to prepare for guidance.
- Define and identify common signs and behaviors of children and youth with ADHD.
- Demonstrate understanding of inclusionary practices for ADHD in the child care setting.
- Demonstrate an understanding of prenatal development and its impact on child development.
- Demonstrate an understanding of inclusionary practices in the preschool setting.
- Describe the importance of social emotional skill development in children entering kindergarten.
- Demonstrate an understanding of typical and atypical development from age 2 to 5.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how positive guidance promotes sound social and emotional development.
- Demonstrate understanding of positive alternatives of timeouts and certain disciplining techniques based on best practices.
- Define basic skills children should have when they begin kindergarten
- Define and identify common signs and behaviors of children and youth with anxiety.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ADA.
- Demonstrate an understanding of child care policies, licensing regulations, and legal and advocacy issues.
- Identify the role of family in society
- Identify strategies for working with children with special needs.
- Describe new methods to increase the positive emotional climate within a childcare program.
- Identify common interaction strategies to help promote a positive classroom environment for young children.
- Identify strategies to facilitate learning in the early childhood classroom using various methods.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the community in which a child lives influences development
- Give examples of ways for families to be included and represented in the classroom, even when they are not physically present.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the child care professional supports the development of readiness skills
- Demonstrate an understanding of planning and implementation of appropriate activities and environments which facilitate development in all domains
No prerequisites are required for the completion of this course.
