Aboriginal World View and Early Childhood Education

Curriculum guideline

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Course
ECED 2361
Discontinued
No
Course code
ECED 2361
Descriptive
Aboriginal World View and Early Childhood Education
Department
Early Childhood Education
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
202020
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Contact hours

Weekly Distribution:

  • Lecture/Seminar: 3 hours/week

 

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Online
Learning activities

Lecture

Class Discussion

Audio-visual Aids

In-class Exercises

Course description
Students will consider Aboriginal knowledge and perspectives and early childhood environments with an emphasis on issues relevant to working with Aboriginal children aged birth to school years and their families. This course prepares early childhood educators to work with young children in a variety of early learning and care environments including Aboriginal Head Start Programs that support Aboriginal children and their families.
Course content

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

  1. There is a diverse Aboriginal population in British Columbia reflecting various cultural beliefs and values. Students will take an integrated approach to familiarizing themselves with various Aboriginal cultures.
  2. Understanding of cultural differences among Aboriginal children is necessary for program planning.
  3. Individual differences and special conditions and needs will affect the child’s development and impact upon the circumstances of the family.
  4. The unique characteristics of family and culture in which the child is raised will affect the course of the child’s development.
  5. Early childhood educators work with parents to develop and maintain a positive transition from home to centre.
  6. Caring routines require sensitivity to the health, safety and nutritional practices and requires both sensitivity and respect from the adult.
  7. Culturally sensitive learning environments provide young children with the optimal conditions for learning and exploration.
Learning outcomes

Examine issues relevant to the Aboriginal community that impact early learning opportunities for young children, including:

    • History of Aboriginal and Indigenous people of British Columbia
    • Historical implications
    • Health implications
    • Cultural implications

Develop a respect for, an understanding of, and a connection to the Aboriginal community.

Early childhood educators will be able to enhance their teaching of culturally relative information for young Aboriginal children by:

  • Guiding each child in a respectful manner
  • Using cultural respectful practices for preventative and/or problem-solving measures wherever possible
  • Increasing opportunities for Aboriginal children to practice their cultural beliefs and their ancestral language

Students will be able to design and implement culturally sensitive programming that promotes knowledge of and a respect for Aboriginal culture.

Means of assessment

The course evaluation is consistent with Douglas College evaluation policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.

 

Test(s)

Project(s)

Research Paper/Presentation

Textbook materials

To be announced.