Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: analyze the theories that influence early childhood program; develop their own philosophy of early childhood education; describe developmentally appropriate practices and identify essential practices for teaching in inclusive early childhood classrooms; identify the primary roles for early childhood professionals and the expectations for twenty-first-century teachers; explain critical, contemporary issues that influence the practice of early childhood education; describe the characteristics of a culturally diverse classroom; explain the importance of mental health and identify strategies to prevent violence, bullying, racism, and abuse; outline early learning theories, program models and developmentally appropriate practices; explain assessment and its purposes; investigate some of the current issues associated with assessment; explain how to integrate technology in an early childhood program; explain how to support the psychosocial, emotional, motor, cognitive, and language development of infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and students in primary grades; evaluate the key foundational practices of guiding behavior in a community of learners; describe the teacher’s role in accommodating diverse learners in an inclusive classroom; and construct strategies for communicating and collaborating with families.