FND503 Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Early Childhood Education

This course explores the rich historical and philosophical antecedents of educational programs for young children, including those with exceptionalities. Its scope extends from Plato to the present day with comparisons and contrasts made between earlier educators and leading theorists of the present era. Some cross-cultural comparisons are included: Students are encouraged to use the Internet and other technologies to access current information and examine it with research findings and our knowledge base from the past. The purposes are: to provide the early childhood educator with a context for understanding and evaluating current practices and to provide a context for the development of a reasoned and coherent personal philosophy of caring for and teaching young children, based on ethical and professional practice and decision-making. Prerequisite(s): None 3 Semester Hours