Teacher Newsletter
February 2015
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Lisa Partlow
Education Director
Education Buzzword
STEM really is a philosophy and is a way of thinking about how educators at all levels can helping students integrate knowledge across disciplines, encouraging them to think in a more connected and holistic way. Our knowledge of how people learn has grown substantially over the last few decades. We now understand that success in learning requires the learner to be at the center of the experience, making connections across disciplines and also across contextual settings. Children need to be presented opportunities to learn the same material in different settings and through different lenses. The traditional approach of teaching topics in isolation does not support the ways that children learn best.
For more information about STEM Education please visit: http://naturalstart.org/feature-stories/engaging-children-stem-education-early
Theorist of the Month
The late Dr. Stanley Greenspan left behind a profound legacy of knowledge in the realm of early child development. He provided insight on infants, young children and adolescents on how they feel and think. His research helped guide parents, professionals and developmental researchers. His ideas on social-emotional development will continue to improve the lives of children for generations to come.
Dr. Greenspan was Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at George Washington University Medical School and Chairman of the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders as well as the founding president of Zero to Three: The National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families.
Resource of the Month
ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development.
Our mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life.
Teacher of the Month
Alyson has been with Rainbow FO3 for 9 years and works in our Young Preschool Program. Alyson is dedicated to her profession in every way; meeting the needs of her children along with working one-on-one with the parents. Alyson is a team player and a role model for the other teachers and staff. Thank you Alyson for all you do!
Rasmussen College
Early Childhood Education Courses to Get Excited About
By Celia Isaacon, Rasmussen College
You have experience with kids. You’ve done your research into the variety of early childhood education (ECE) careers. By now you are convinced you can be successful in one of those careers and you know that furthering your education is the best way to achieve that dream. But what exactly will you learn while earning your degree? What types of early childhood education classes can you expect to take?
Every ECE program is unique, but there are some important early childhood education courses that tend to be included in most curriculums. We asked Dr. Cecelia Westby, ECE Academic Director at Collegis Education, to help us identify key early childhood education classes featured in the Rasmussen College ECE program. Keep reading for a sneak peek at these courses and how the curriculum at Rasmussen College stands out among other ECE degree providers.
Early Childhood Education Classes You Can Expect
If you're serious about launching a successful career working with little ones, you're going to be seriously excited about some of the courses you'll be taking. Not only are they fascinating and fun, but they will help equip you with the techniques and tools you'll need when you have a classroom of your own.
1. Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Westby says that Rasmussen College recently redesigned this course to include the room environment and how it influences curriculum and instruction. The course also teaches about tools to observe and assess child behavior and development. This course is unique because it provides a holistic view of curriculum and instruction, Dr. Westby explains. From designing your learning space to properly utilizing the materials available, you’ll learn how to use your classroom in an intentional way. This method will also help you develop the skills needed to meet the diverse needs of individual children, from special needs to English language learners.
2. Technology and Developmentally Appropriate Practices
The learning landscape has drastically changed with the emergence of new advancements in technology. In this course you will learn about the role technology plays in the development of young children and appropriate digital activities for students.
“We are embracing technology in a way that promotes learning and development,” Dr. Westby says. She stresses the importance of this course because it is extremely relevant to the digital world in which we live. Our society is consumed by technology and teachers who can leverage these tools are already in demand.
3. Foundations of Child Development
This course will familiarize students with core early childhood educational practice and theory. The curriculum helps lay the groundwork for the foundation you will build upon throughout your entire teaching career.
This class is unique because it’s one of three courses that prepare you to earn your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. The CDA is earned through assignments within the college course construct. That means it is integrated into the rest of your schoolwork, so you can achieve the credential without the burden of extra time or work.
What will a rich course load provide for you?
You shouldn't enroll in college just to receive a piece of paper with your name printed on it. You’re investing all of that time and money into your future, in order to acquire the necessary knowledge and training you’ll need to succeed in your career. Your early childhood education courses are the building blocks that will construct a solid foundation on which you’ll build your teaching career.
It’s important to be confident in the curriculum you’re about to undertake. These courses were strategically chosen in order help you make a splash when you enter the job market. These five early childhood education classes are just a taste of everything you will learn as a student in the Rasmussen College ECE program.
Check out the complete course listings and learn more about the programs available through Collegis Education and Rasmussen College by visiting us online at www.rasmussen.edu/rccc/