Contemporary Early Childhood Education Issues and Practice

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Contemporary Early Childhood Education Issues and Practice (ECE503)

Synopsis

This course provides a broad overview of the critical issues facing the field of early childhood education today. Some of these issues would relate to the provision of services for children, programme quality, pedagogy and assessment in view of current demands for accountability in early childhood care and education. These would encompass assumptions, beliefs and values underpinning young children's care and education and the challenges faced by parents. Issues on the training of early childhood educators for the workforce will also be examined and discussed, including issues on the roles of professionals in meeting the needs of young children and families.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every July

Topics

The policy agenda for early childhood services: accessibility, affordability, accountability and assessment
International provision of care and education for infants and young children
Exploring assumptions, beliefs and values underpinning young children's care and education
Examining and evaluating the quality and standards of early childhood care and education
Selecting the tools of assessment
Diversity, inclusion and learning in early childhood education
Local and contemporary issues in early childhood services
Challenges and issues faced by parents and families in early childhood education
Technology and media related issues in the lives of children and families
Transition in the early years and to primary schooling
Early childhood educators’ training and workforce issues in the early years
The roles and issues of early childhood educators in working with interdisciplinary teams

Learning Outcome

Analyse policy in terms of its historical content, goals, values, benefits and services provided
Appraise the influence of social-economic factors on the planning and development of policy for early childhood services
Examine the goals, values and strategies of planning and legislation
Critique the international perspectives on polices related to early childhood care and education
Evaluate recent early childhood issues and their impact on current practice
Propose recommendations to address issues to improve practice