This course provides graduate students with advanced knowledge, skills, and dispositions for the planning, designing, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of developmentally appropriate curricula and learning environments for young children, with particular emphasis on children ages 3–8 years. It examines philosophical, theoretical, developmental, cultural, contextual, and policy perspectives that inform curriculum decision-making in early childhood education and provides opportunities to apply these perspectives in analyzing curriculum needs and priorities.
The course engages students in the design and development of child-centered, play-based, inclusive, culturally responsive, gender-responsive, and context-sensitive curricula, including the formulation of goals and objectives, organization and sequencing of content and learning experiences, lesson planning, daily schedules and routines, learning environments, family and community engagement, inclusionary practices, instructional strategies, curriculum materials, and assessment tasks. Students also develop and apply curriculum resources and implementation strategies that respond to children's diverse developmental, learning, cultural, and contextual needs.
Emphasis is given to the systematic monitoring and evaluation of curriculum implementation through the use of learner and contextual data, assessment evidence, stakeholder feedback, relevant policies and standards, and reflective inquiry. The course ultimately cultivates graduate students' capacity to become reflective, intentional, inclusive, innovative, and evidence-informed curriculum practitioners and leaders who advocate for quality, equity, sustainability, and meaningful learning experiences for young children and their families.
The course engages students in the design and development of child-centered, play-based, inclusive, culturally responsive, gender-responsive, and context-sensitive curricula, including the formulation of goals and objectives, organization and sequencing of content and learning experiences, lesson planning, daily schedules and routines, learning environments, family and community engagement, inclusionary practices, instructional strategies, curriculum materials, and assessment tasks. Students also develop and apply curriculum resources and implementation strategies that respond to children's diverse developmental, learning, cultural, and contextual needs.
Emphasis is given to the systematic monitoring and evaluation of curriculum implementation through the use of learner and contextual data, assessment evidence, stakeholder feedback, relevant policies and standards, and reflective inquiry. The course ultimately cultivates graduate students' capacity to become reflective, intentional, inclusive, innovative, and evidence-informed curriculum practitioners and leaders who advocate for quality, equity, sustainability, and meaningful learning experiences for young children and their families.
Hello everyone, and welcome to ECE 7214 – Family Involvement and Community Linkages!
I’m excited to begin this journey with you as we learn how families, schools, and communities can work hand in hand to support children’s growth and success. This course is about more than theories—it’s about real connections, meaningful partnerships, and practical strategies that you can bring into your own professional practice.
I look forward to our discussions, your insights, and the experiences you’ll share. Together, let’s make this a space where we learn, collaborate, and grow—not only as educators but also as advocates for children and their families.
I’m excited to begin this journey with you as we learn how families, schools, and communities can work hand in hand to support children’s growth and success. This course is about more than theories—it’s about real connections, meaningful partnerships, and practical strategies that you can bring into your own professional practice.
I look forward to our discussions, your insights, and the experiences you’ll share. Together, let’s make this a space where we learn, collaborate, and grow—not only as educators but also as advocates for children and their families.