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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services, Inc. | Evaluated Learning Experience

Thematic Approach to Curriculum Development in Early Childhood (425 or 525)

Length: 

 45 hours (15 weeks).

Location: 
Various child care facilities associated with the Caritas Training Center.
Dates: 

September 2005 - June 2021.

Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: brainstorm ideas about curriculum development; list relevant ideas and develop a theme; research and create materials which are age appropriate for preschool children; field test materials with preschool children and describe their reactions and conversation regarding the materials; summarize the steps taken in the creation of the project and present a project that introduces, presents, and displays the thematic materials that have been developed.

Instruction: 

This course prepares students to brainstorm and choose relevant ideas illustrating concepts in developing a theme. Students analyze topics and design and gather a sequence of materials from across the discipline areas which they can expand into a learning module; research and create materials which are age-appropriate for preschool children; create a journal which traces the steps taken in creating the project; field test the materials, create a report which introduces and displays the thematic materials that have been created, and present their findings to the class. NOTE: Students who do not possess an undergraduate degree, enroll in the 425 section and complete assignments as described above. For those who already possess an undergraduate degree and who wish to benefit from the graduate credit recommendation, the course requirements, include those listed above, as well as additional activities. These students enroll in 525 and develop a learning module, prepare and present the module to age appropriate children, and prepare and conduct a workshop for other teachers using the learning module. The workshop materials include the focus and agenda, expected outcomes, handouts, and any other materials that encourage other teachers to integrate the learning module into their classroom. Students must be prepared to discuss the sequencing of materials, their purpose, and adaptation of material for children of different ages and/or disabilities. The workshop includes a participant evaluation. Following the workshop, students write a short paper reflecting upon the experience. Direct observation by supervisor and/or video taping is also required.

Credit recommendation: 

Course 425: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Montessori Education (8/06) (11/11 revalidation) (11/16 revalidation). Course 525: In the graduate degree category, 3 semester hours in Montessori Education (8/06) (11/11 revalidation) (11/16 revalidation).

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