Course Description
Through a comprehensive global perspective, this course explores diversity, culture and beliefs and how each impacts our view and our work with young children and their families. Students will consider issues that shape cultures, educational discourse, early childhood and childcare. In relation to current demographics in British Columbia, students will explore the application of theories related to systems, collectivist and individualistic cultures.
Students will broaden their understanding and perspective as they research, analyze and reflect on issues of global consideration. Students will enhance their professional knowledge as they research different cultures and available resources. As a result of expanded understanding of global perspectives, students will be more prepared in their professional practice when working with young children in twenty-first century multicultural settings.
Course Content
Topics covered in this course will include the following:
- historical issues and their impacts on early childhood education
- societal, political and economic influences on early childhood education
- human rights: the rights of the child
- educational policies: global views
- early learning frameworks from around the world
This course will be based on these principles:
- Early childhood educators recognize key elements about the nature of families: families are diverse in patterns and structure; families have strengths, families are a unique system and families are constantly changing. This course explores diversity, culture and beliefs and how each impacts our view and our work with young children and their families.
- Early childhood educators understand there are many factors that influence culture dynamics. This course will explore issues that shape cultures, educational discourse, early childhood and care.
- Demographics of British Columbia is an evolving landscape. Early childhood educators will study current demographics of British Columbia and explore the application of theories related to systems, collectivist and individualistic cultures.
- Early childhood education has a long tradition of collaboration and parent involvement in varied program settings. The early childhood educator is knowledgeable about diverse parenting practices and guiding principles in childcare. Students will broaden their understanding and perspective as they research, analyze and reflect on issues of global consideration that influence the parent and educator partnership.
Learning Activities
Lecture
Online
In-class Discussions
Audio-visual Aids
Means of Assessment
The course evaluation is consistent with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course. Evaluations may include a combination of:
Test(s)
Project(s)
Research Paper/Presentation
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:
- relate actions and relationships that influence early childhood education.
- explore globally recognized rights and how they apply in early childhood environments.
- recognize diversity, equity and inclusion through language, culture and identify in early childhood settings.
- create strategies to employ in childcare settings which encourage global thinking and consideration.
- expand their understanding of how children of different ethnicities, nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds interact within their environments and apply this knowledge to their professional role as educators.
- increase awareness of, and communicate their understanding of, global systems in early childhood education.
Textbook Materials
A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.