Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education : History, Theories, and Approaches to Learning

Part I Foundations

CHAPTER 1      Introduction to the Field of Early Childhood Education

Your Role as a Teacher-Education Student

Roles of the Early Childhood Professional

Current Issues Facing Early Childhood Professionals

Beginning the Journey

      SUMMARY

Application Activities

Websites

CHAPTER 2      Historical Overview: People and Beliefs That Shaped the Field

Historical Trends

Life in the 1600s: Harsh Traditions and New Ideas

Classroom View

Education in the 1700s: Romantic and Radical

Classroom View

Education in the 1800s: Kindergarten Is Born

Care or Education and the Separation of Early and Elementary Education

Moving Education Forward in the 1900s: Progressive and Developmental

Classroom ViewP

The Rise of Child Study

The Progressive Era Dawns

 Modern Movements and Trends

Today’s Issues

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Summary

Application Activities

CHAPTER 3      Professionalism in Early Childhood Education: Defining Best Practices

Classroom View

New section- Defining Professionalism: The role of associations

National Association for the Education of Young Children: NAEYC at Work

Foundation and Scope of NAEYC: promoting best practices

The DAP Framework: Theory and Practice

The Code of Ethical Conduct: History and Principles

Meaningful Applications: Using DAP and the Code

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Summary

Application Activities

CHAPTER 4      Constructivist Learning: Building Knowledge From Within

Classroom View

What Is Constructivism All About? The Big Picture

Here and Now: Contemporary Constructivist Beliefs

Piaget’s Contributions to Constructivism

Vygotsky’s Contributions to Constructivism

Beyond Piaget: Social Learning, Language, and Culture

Criticisms and Challenges of Translating Theory Into Practice

Strategies for Applying Constructivist Theory to Early Childhood Education

How constructivist teachers support family culture and diversity

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead 

Summary

Application Activities

CHAPTER 5      Multiple Intelligences Theory: Applications in the Early Childhood Classroom

Classroom View 

Overview of Gardner’s Work

Intelligence and Creative Thinking

Defining Intelligence 

The Eight Multiple Intelligences: Many Kinds of Smart

Self-Reflection: Developing Our Intrapersonal Strength

Rethinking Education: A New Vision of Active Learning

Roles of the Teacher

Assessment 

Applying Multiple Intelligences in Early Childhood Education: Personalization and Diversity

Conclusion 

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead 

Summary

Application Activities

Part II Models and Approaches

CHAPTER 6      Head Start and Early Head Start: Empowering Change From Within

Classroom View

Historical Perspective: The Start of Early Intervention

The Need for Social Renewal: Defining Characteristics

Head Start Program Standards

Does It Work? Evidence of Effectiveness

Current Trends and Implications 

Applying Head Start principles in any practice

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead 

Summary

Application Activities

CHAPTER 7      The High/Scope Foundation: Planning, Implementing, and Reviewing Best Practices

Classroom View

Overview of High/Scope

Educational Programming

Teacher Roles 

Assessment

Inclusion and Cultural Responsiveness

Research

Considerations and Applications

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Summary

Application Activities

CHAPTER 8      The Project Approach: Active Inquiry in Early Childhood

Classroom View 

Overview of the Project Approach

Explanation of the Parts and Process: How It All Fits Together

How Project Work Fits Into Current Beliefs About Good Practice

Applications With Young Children

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Summary 

Application Activities

CHAPTER 9     The Schools of Reggio Emilia: A Child’s World

Overview of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy

Classroom View

The Schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy: History, Influences, and Relationships

Challenges to Reggio-Inspired Practice in America: Lost in the Translation?

The Reggio Emilia Approach and diversity

Inspired Applications: How Some American Educators Are Making the Leap

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Summary

Application Activities

CHAPTER 10    Montessori Education: Environment, Materials, and Methods

Classroom View 

Who Was Maria Montessori? Auspicious Beginning and Lasting Legacy 

Basic Principles of the Montessori Method

Teachers’ Roles and Functions

Montessori Materials and Activities

Reflections, Controversies, and Accolade

Supporting diversity and family involvement

Applying Montessori principles and practices

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Summary

Application Activities

CHAPTER 11    Waldorf Education: Harmony and the Whole Child

Classroom View

The History and Philosophy of Waldorf Education

View of Child Development

Waldorf Early Childhood Programs

Early Childhood Teachers’ Roles

Curriculum

Diversity and Inclusion in Waldorf Education

Contemporary Issues: Debates about Waldorf Education

Inspirations for application from Waldorf practices

Conclusion

Reflection Questions: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Summary

Application Activities 

Part III Beginning the Journey

CHAPTER 12 Bringing It All Together: Imagining and Becoming

Guiding Principles for the Future: Respect, Enthusiasm, Commitment

Re-emphasize diversity, inclusion, play, standards, applying ‘best of the best’

Culminating the Text and Creating Your Portfolio

Conclusion

Application Activities 

Appendix A:       Historical Time Line Char

Appendix B:        Key Contributors Chart

Appendix C:        Guiding Principles Chart

Appendix D:       Multiple Intelligence Planning Web

Appendix E:        Sample Professional Portfolio Rubric

Appendix F:        “Look What’s Developing” Chart

References 

Index

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