An introduction to the early childhood profession including an emphasis on professionalism and developmentally appropriate practice.  Includes an overview of history of early education, theoretical program models, different types of early childhood programs, community resources, professional organizations, and contemporary trends and issues in programs for children ages birth to none. 

The student will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the early childhood profession, its historical, philosophical, and social foundations and how these foundations influence current thought and practice.
2. Possess knowledge of the diversity or settings, teacher qualifications, types of employment, locations, etc. in the early childhood field.
3. Understand the importance of reflective thinking in becoming an effective early childhood teacher.
4. Recognize professional journals, websites, organizations, and community agencies that support the early childhood professional.
5. Recognize basic components of quality in an early childhood program setting.
6. Define developmentally appropriate practice in relation to age, individual, and social and cultural contexts.
7. Use knowledge of the teacher portfolio process to develop a beginning portfolio.
8. Identify the goals and basic components of several prominent, theoretical curriculum models (i.e. Montessori, High Scope, Reggio Emilia, Project Approach, etc.)
9. Know about and use the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct to resolve basic ethical dilemmas in early education.

• Professionalism
• Developmentally appropriate practice
• History of early education
• Theoretical models
• Types of early childhood programs
• Types of early childhood career options
• Community resources
• Professional organizations
• Contemporary trends and issues
• Teacher portfolios

1. Complete a self-evaluation using qualities of an effective early childhood professional as a guide.
2. Review and compile information on professional resources, websites, agencies, and organizations for professional growth in the early childhood field.
3. Complete a early childhood resume' as a final project
4. Begin a diversity notebook to be added to in sequent classes.
5. Complete exams on terms, basic concepts, etc.

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain current textbook information for this course:

 http://rodp.bkstr.com

PC users- A minimum computer system to successfully access all the tools in this course is a Pentium 166 or better with 32 Megabytes of RAM or better and Windows 95 or higher.  A modem,56k or better.

Mac users - Minimum system requirements are a 604 Power PC processor, preferably a G3 (iMacs are included) or G4 processor computer running Mac OS 8.5 or above.  A minimum of 64 Megabytes of RAM, preferably 128 with at least 25 Megabytes assigned to your browser.  A modem, 56k or better

PC users- Communications software: Internet Explorer version 5 or Netscape version 4.58 or later.  Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat software.
Mac users -  Communications software:  Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape 4.75.  Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat software

Students must have access to Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word Software.
As noted on the RODP Webpage for Software http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm . Plus, the plug-ins for the latest Internet multimedia. Students can find these free resources at:http://www.rodp.org/students/browser_tune_up.htm  Students must have Microsoft Word 98 or better. Essays and other assignments will be submitted electronically. Students must use a WebCT-compatible Internet browser software. If students use AOL software, they must minimize the AOL window and open up Internet Explorer or Netscape when they access the course. Go to the WebCT Browser Tune Up page for more advice. More information call
1-877-725-4357.

All work must be completed by the assigned date.

(Students must complete all assignments for consideration of a final letter grade)

The following scale will be used to determine your final grade:
A = 990- 1100 points
B = 880- 989 points
C = 770- 879 points
D = 660- 769 points
F = Below – 660 points

Weekly assignments and the final project will count as the remaining portion of your final grade.

You are encouraged to work at your own pace; however deadlines are placed on class activities, assignments, quizzes and exams.  You should become familiar with the Class Calendar to determine when materials are due and adjust your study schedule accordingly.  Once a deadline has passed you will be "locked out" of the material.

Assignments will be presented as noted in the course Calendar.  You will have until the due date on the calendar to complete each assignment.

You are expected to communicate with other students in team projects, learn how to navigate in WebCT, and stay aware of course announcements.

You should use your assigned WebCT email addresses for all communication.

You should address any technical problems immediately.

You should observe course netiquette at all times.  Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.  For further clarification see the "Academic Honesty"  statement

5 point (daily) penalty for assignment submitted late.

Students are expected to check their e-mail at least three times a week and to work on their assignments regularly. 

• Submit only one assignment per e-mail.  Multiple assignments in one e-mail are difficult for the instructor to manage.
• Always include a subject line with your last name, and the assignment or subject of the communication.  Even if you are submitting your work as an attachment WebCT requires that something be written in the message panel.
• Remember your reader cannot see you, without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way.  Be careful in wording your emails.  Use of emoticons :) might be helpful in some cases.
• Use standard fonts.  Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
• Respect the privacy of other class members.
• Make sure you scan your e-mail and attachments for virus.
   
•  Although you should always use your class WebCT email account for communication, provide your instructor with an alternative web-based email account (such as Hotmail or Yahoo) for a back-up in case the class server should go down.

When using chat keep the following in mind:

• Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
• Be polite.  Choose your words carefully.  Do not use derogatory statements.
• Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
• Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
• Be constructive in your comments and suggestions.

• TECHNICAL PROBLEMS please visit the AskRODP Customer Support web page at http://help.rodp.org or call the AskRODP Help Desk at 1-866-550-RODP (1-866-550-7637)

• REGISTRATION PROBLEMS contact your home school RODP Campus Contact