Courses listed in the Child Development category provide students with a basis of knowledge regarding curriculum and environment. These course satisfy Maryland core knowledge requirements by covering the following key topics:Strategies to facilitate learning and development, including the significance of play, emergent curriculum in learning, and continuity of careBest practices, including developmentally appropriate practices, that focus on the needs/interests of all children and youth and consider culturally-valued content and home experiencesLearning experiences that help all children and youth develop emerging intellectual curiosity, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and critical thinking Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) College and Career-Ready Standards for English Language Proficiency; Fine Arts; Health; History/Social Studies; Mathematics; Media; Physical Education; Reading/English Language Arts; Science; STEAM/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics); Technology/Computer Skills; and World LanguagesIntegration of learning experiences with curriculum theories and current researchApproaches to learning and learning stylesSchedule management and transitionsPlanning and implementation of appropriate environments that facilitate development in all domains for all children and youthDesign of new environments or modification of existing ones that nurture and educate all children and youth and meet state regulatory requirementsAppropriate equipment and materials for both indoor and outdoor learning environmentsCultural responsiveness and inclusionary practices.
“Water Play in the Early Childhood Education: Water Play is an essential part of early childhood education. This training will identify the fundamental principles that early childhood educators should know about water. Understanding these concepts will help the early childhood educator more effectively engage and support learning through water play. Participants will also learn […]
“Developing Spatial Reasoning in the Early Childhood Program : Chances are, your early childhood classroom includes blocks, pattern blocks, puzzles and other toys. Through this workshop, participants will learn how early childhood educators can use those materials and as other techniques to improve children’s spatial reasoning skills.”
“Classroom management creates a set of expectations used in an organized classroom environment. Effective classroom management paves the way for the teacher to engage the students in learning. Through this workshop, participants will learn the importance of a daily schedule and established routines; strategies to promote smooth transitions; how to effectively select developmentally appropriate learning […]
Developmentally Appropriate Math Concepts for Young Children: Early childhood teachers must challenge their students beyond the minimal expectation of rote counting. This course provides a foundation for expanding mathematics in their classroom.
Picture books are an excellent tool for children to discover mathematics. Through this workshop, participants will learn how to use children’s books to explore counting, sorting, patterns, measurement, graphing, and equivalency.
“This workshop is designed to help early childhood educators understand and support emergent literacy. Through selected appropriate children’s books, building schema, and helping students gain an awareness of sound, teachers can create an environment where emergent readers thrive and develop a love for reading. Prerequisite: Working definition and experience with emergent literacy. Intermediate Level Training. […]
Measurement is more than using a ruler. It involves critical mathematical concepts that can be supported in the preschool classroom through children’s everyday problem-solving. Participants will learn strategies for supporting as they develop an understanding of measurement.
Social studies forms the foundation for “civic competence.” This course will help participants learn how to implement a developmentally appropriate social studies curriculum. This is a competent level training. Prerequisites Required–Experience teaching preschool-aged children.
Emotionally Responsive Teaching is a pedagogical approach that recognizes the pivotal role of emotions in the learning process. Participants will define Emotionally Responsive Teaching and learn its seven foundational principles.
Open-Ended Art in Early Childhood Education. Open-ended art is an activity where children are free to use their imagination to explore various materials without specific instructions or teacher-imposed expectations for a final product. Participants will explore strategies for greater inclusion of open-end art in the early childhood settings. This is a competent level training. Pre-requisites: Experience facilitating art curriculum […]
