PSYC 416 Comparative Study of Early Childhood Program Models
This course focuses on a comparative study of traditional, current and culturally-based program models designed for children from birth through five years of age. Students are introduced to early childhood program models including: The Creative Curriculum, Reggio Emilia, Head Start, Montessori, High Scope, Waldorf, behavioral approaches to learning (Portage, Distar), early childhood family education, and school readiness.
Prerequisites
3 Undergraduate credits
Effective August 18, 2018 to present
Learning outcomes
General
- Articulate the theoretical basis for the major program models.
- Critically evaluate models in light of contemporary standards of quality.
- Develop a plan for a high quality early childhood program using the best features of the curriculum models.
- Evaluate program quality using a standard assessment tool-ECERS.
- Identify curriculum models for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
- Identify the key characteristics of the major early childhood program models.
- Summarize the foundational research on the major early childhood curriculum models.
Spring 2026
| Section | Title | Instructor | books | eservices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Comparative Study of Early Childhood Program Models | Frankard, Heidi Lin Malloy | Books for PSYC-416-01 Spring 2026 | Course details for PSYC-416-01 Spring 2026 |