EDCI 62302 Emotion and Language-Centered Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers

This course informs candidates of the importance of emotion and language-centered curriculum for infants and toddlers.  Recent research on brain development during the first three years of life, the role of emotional intelligence in learning, components of culturally responsive practice, and developmental foundations of language acquisition form the framework for guiding candidates to discuss, examine, and reflect on a "primary caregiving model" for infants and toddlers.  Candidates learn to plan developmentally appropriate, meaningful learning experiences based on State standards on early learning goals with an understanding of how content areas such as language & literacy, numeracy, scientific reasoning, visual and expressive arts, and physical motor activity are integrated in order to facilitate and support the development of the 'whole child', from birth to age 3.  Environmental organization and design, along with teaching methods and interactive strategies that encourage and nurture active exploration and curiosity, are emphasized.