CHD 231 Inquiry-Based Preschool Curriculum
Designed for present and future teachers, caregivers, home visitors, administrators, and the general public who participate in decisions relating to early childhood curriculum. This course examines inquiry-based learning and how it relates to a child-centered, integrated preschool curriculum. In this course, students will better understand the importance of inquiry based curriculum in the preschool setting through hands-on experiences in an early childhood classroom, web -theme based lesson planning, and through the demonstration of inquiry based lessons. This course integrates the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Early Childhood Standards of Quality and the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) position statements and guidelines for instruction into class discussions to help students gain insight into the best practices with young children. This class can be used to satisfy part of the 120 clock hours of instruction required by the CDA Council.
The following NAEYC Associate Degree Standards are met by this course at the understanding or application level:
1. Promoting Child Development and Learning:
- 1b: Knowing and understanding the multiple influences on early development and learning.
3. Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families:
- 3a: Understanding the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment.
4. Using Effective Approaches to Connect with Children and Families:
- 4b: Knowing and understanding effective strategies and tools for early education, including appropriate uses of technology.
5. Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum:
- 5a: Understanding content knowledge and resources in academic disciplines.
- 5b: Knowing and using the central concepts, inquiry tools, and structures of content area or academic disciplines.