Indigenous World View and Early Childhood Education

Curriculum guideline

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Course
ECED 2361
Discontinued
No
Course code
ECED 2361
Descriptive
Indigenous World View and Early Childhood Education
Department
Early Childhood Education
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
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 Indigenous knowledge and perspectives and early childhood environments with an emphasis on issues relevant to working with Indigenous 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 Indigenous children and their families.
Course content

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

  1. There is a diverse Indigenous population in British Columbia reflecting various cultural beliefs and values. Students will take an integrated approach to familiarizing themselves with various Indigenous cultures.
  2. Understanding of cultural differences among Indigenous 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 Indigenous community that impact early learning opportunities for young children, including:

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

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

Early childhood educators will be able to enhance their teaching of culturally relative information for young Indigenous 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 Indigenous 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 Indigenous 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.

 

Typical means of evaluation may include a combination of:

  • Test(s)
  • Project(s)
  • Research Paper/Presentation
Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required texts or materials. A list of required materials is provided in the instructor’s course outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester.