Advanced Studies in Observation and Documentation of Infants and Toddlers

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
ECED 2421
Discontinued
No
Course Code
ECED 2421
Descriptive
Advanced Studies in Observation and Documentation of Infants and Toddlers
Department
Early Childhood Education
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
202030
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
Flexible delivery ranging over 2 to 15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
60 hours
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Tutorial
Learning Activities
  • Lecture
  • Presentations
  • Practice in simulated environment
  • Observations
  • Narrations
Course Description
Students will consolidate their learning by applying theory to practice by observing, recording and documenting the care and learning of infants and toddlers in family and care environments. To implement theses skills, students will learn the principles of developing aesthetic and appropriate environments for young children.
Course Content

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

  • There are observable behaviours typical of infant and toddler development.  Observers take an integrated approach to the development of the whole child.
  • Observation and documentation are the primary means of relating developmental theory to the individual child.
  • Observation and documentation of the individual child are considered within the context of family, environment and culture.
  • The child, situation and reason for the observation and documentation determine the choice of observation method.
  • Observing, recording and documenting the behaviour of young children requires objectivity, discretion and practice.
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe methods of observing, documenting and planning care and curriculum experiences for infants and toddlers.
  2. Be able to select appropriate observation methods
  3. Recognize the components of observation skills
  4. Consider the impact of the environment on the young child
  5. Connect the observation to planning an emergent curriculum
  6. Use documentation as a means of scaffolding the current interests of the child into new learning experiences
  7. Use documentation as a means to communicate with the children, other staff, families and the community
  8. Demonstrate respect for young children and curiosity about their experience of childhood
    • Describe details of children’s sensory explorations
    • Document children’s use of the senses to explore and understand their world
  9. Describe the connection between being aware of each child and the co-construction of quality learning experiences
    • Develop curriculum based on observation of children’s interests and connection with their world
    • Develop the ability to use the principles and practices of emergent curriculum
  10. Describe the image of each child as competent and inquisitive about their world
    • Demonstrate the ability to see the young child from multiple perspectives
    • Describe the unique aspects of each child as a unique individual
  11. Describe the connection between observing a child, theories of child development and individualized emergent curriculum
    • Describe the connection between the child’s interests and their development
    • Describe the connection between the child’s interest and emergent curriculum
  12. Demonstrate the principles of infant and toddler care and learning
    • Discuss current theories of holistic infant and toddler development
    • Demonstrate the ability to utilize care giving routines to foster development
    • Describe attachment theory and strategies used by caregivers to ease transitions from home to centre
  13. Describe the importance of aesthetic age-appropriate learning environments
    • Design and discuss an aesthetic learning environment appropriate to infants and toddlers
    • Describe the role of play as a learning medium for infants and toddlers
Means of Assessment

This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations.

Typical Means of assessment may include some or all of the following:

  • Written papers
  • Narrative journals
  • Documentation
  • Presentations

This is a letter graded course

Textbook Materials

T.B.A.

Prerequisites

ECED 2420