Faculty Syllabus

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Getting to Know You Form

At the start of the semester, students will complete a form introducing themselves to their professor.

Lab Placement Form

At the start of the semester, students will complete a form related to their planned fieldwork. Documentation must be confirmed by the student’s on-site supervisor.

Chapter Activities

Students will complete a written activity related to assigned chapter readings. Detailed directions, formatting requirements, and a rubric will be provided on Blackboard.

Lab Assignments

This course requires 16 hours of fieldwork, which must be completed in-person in a licensed/registered early childhood classroom with children aged 0-5.

If you are employed at least 20 hours per week in a licensed/registered child care program as a classroom teacher, you may conduct your fieldwork at your place of employment. Verification of outside employment will be required at the start of the semester.

If you are not employed at least 20 hours per week in a licensed/registered child care program as a classroom teacher, you will conduct your fieldwork at one or more community sites the ACC CDEV program partners with in and around Austin. Your instructor will share a list of approved sites at the start of the semester.

There are 4 lab assignments over the course of the semester, and each has a specific set of observation requirements.

A criminal background check and affidavit must be submitted and verified prior to completing any fieldwork. You will receive a “0” on each lab assignment until your criminal background check has cleared. More information will be provided in class and on Blackboard.

Organization Review

Students will research a professional organization in the field of early childhood education and review the organization’s social media and virtual presence, as well as the history and purpose of the group.

Critical Issues Review

Students will develop a paper on a current topic/issue related to working with children and families. Approved and suggested topics will be provided on Blackboard.

Personal Statement

Students will develop a statement in which they describe who they are as an early childhood professional and discuss the importance of the field to their future career plans.

Attendance/Participation

Attendance will be taken during every face-to-face class meeting. During each class, there will also be opportunities for participation. You may be asked to lead or work in small groups, ask and answer questions, and engage in whole-group activities. These activities require that you be on time, prepared, and present. Each face-to-face class meeting is worth 5 points. We are scheduled to meet 29 times this semester, so attendance and participation are worth a total of 145 points. In addition, if you miss multiple class meetings without an emailed explanation/notification, you may be withdrawn by me.

Regarding “excused” absences for missed class meetings, should (1) a medical issue arise that requires you or someone you care for to go to the doctor or be hospitalized, or (2) there be a death in your immediate family, please contact your professor as soon as possible (not immediately before or after a class or when an item is due). Special consideration may be given in certain situations, and supporting documentation may be requested.

CDEC/TECA 1311, Educating Young Children

Spring 2026 Calendar

CDEC/TECA 1311, Educating Young Children

Spring 2026 Calendar

Course Outcomes

CDEC 1311. The end-of-semester outcomes for this course are (1) discuss the contributions of key historical and contemporary theorists to the field of early care and education, (2) explain the features of a developmentally appropriate program for young children, (3) define each of the four basic developmental domains (physical, cognitive, emotional, and social), (4) examine the types of early childhood programs, (5) analyze trends and issues of early care and education, and (6) identify the characteristics and developmental stages of a professional in early care and education.

TECA 1311. The end-of-semester outcomes for this course are to (1) identify the features of a quality developmentally appropriate program for young children, (2) explain contributions of historical and contemporary professionals and theorists to the field of early childhood education, (3) analyze various early childhood programs and curricular models that have influenced practice, (4) describe current and future trends and issues in the field of education, (5) apply classroom observation and assessment skills to identify developmentally appropriate programs in diverse early childhood educational settings, and (6) describe and adhere to professional code of legal and ethical requirements for educators.

Program Outcomes

The Child Care and Development program at ACC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs. Therefore, program learning outcomes correlate with the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators NAEYC.