Early Education

Paper Requirements: 1) 5 to 7 double-spaced, APA formatted pages inclusive of in-text citations 2) Title Page and a References Page are separate 3) Use no fewer than three resources; one must be a resource you identify that is not referenced in the course. Objective: Apply fundamental theories and concepts by focusing on one key aspect of early childhood education. NAEYC Standards: 2a, 4a, 4b, 5b, 6d Your “big” project for CHS111 requires you to conduct secondary research using credible sources and write a research paper! As you will learn throughout the course, it is extremely important that you have a working knowledge of early childhood education upon completing this course. A working knowledge means you understand the underlying theories and fundamental concepts and that you can put them to practice! This research project runs Units 1 through 7. Thus, you have seven units (weeks) to complete it. While this project is large, it is definitely manageable as the steps and timeline have been mapped for you. The requirements for your research paper are as follows: 1. Select one topic for research from the list of four topics provided below. 2. Conduct research on your selected topic. Identify and report on no fewer than three different resources. At least one resource that you identify is not referenced in the course. Many resources are provided throughout the different units to help guide your research. Be sure to check supplemental materials listed in both the NAEYC Library and supplemental resources provided in each Unit. Feel free to use these resources in your written paper. However, you must demonstrate that you also identified and used at least one new resource that is not referenced in the course. Along with conducting research in sources provided in the course, use the Post Library CHS/ECE general research guide provided in the course. 3. Complete all phases according to the given timeline. Unit 1: Review the choice of topics in the list below. Unit 2: Decide and submit one topic that you would like to explore in depth. (5 points) Unit 3: Begin research; submit list of three researched resources with a brief summary (annotation) for each one. (15 points) Unit 3-6: Actively research the topic and draft the paper. Other resources, in addition to the three resources identified in Unit 3, may need to be used in order to meet all CHS111 – Foundations of Early Childhood Education Research Paper the criteria stated in the option you chose. Unit 6: Optional: Submit written draft to the Safe Assign link provided in the course to gain feedback on whether you have appropriately quoted, paraphrased and cited your secondary research sources. The written draft will not be reviewed by the instructor. Unit 7: Review and utilize feedback on initial draft received from Safe Assign. Finalize and submit the written research paper by Sunday, 11:59 (EST). (100 points) 4. Utilize the “Evaluation Rubric” for the Research Paper. Throughout the seven weeks, be sure to read the rubric criteria, by which your project will be evaluated: before you research, while you research and write, while you revise your initial draft, and before you submit your research paper. Research Topics Option 1: Historical Figure 1) From the list below, choose and research one historical figure that had great influence on early childhood education. a) Maria Montessori e) Lev Vygotsky b) Friedrich Frobel f) Abraham Maslow c) Jean Piaget g) T. Berry Brazelton d) Erik Erikson h) Magda Gerber 2) Provide biographical information (name, time period, place of birth/death, etc.). 3) Write a detailed account of the historical figure’s significant contribution(s) and central concepts of the theory. Identify at least two publications authored by the person. (5b) 4) Determine the historical figure’s views on the value of positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for young children’s optimal development and learning. (4a) 5) Explain the historical figure’s effective strategies and tools for early education. If appropriate and/or relevant, include appropriate uses of technology. (4b) 6) Explain the theorist’s view on the role of parents, families and community in children’s development and learning. (2a) 7) Describe the scope of his/her influence on early education for today’s children. State your opinions and explain why. (6d) (If the information required above is not found within the three resources you identified in Unit 3, then use additional resources.) Option 2: Early Childhood Model 1) Research one early childhood model from the list below. a) Early Intervention e) Project Approach b) Montessori f) High Scope c) Reggio Emilia g) Bank Street Approach d) Project Approach h) Head Start/Early Head Start 2) Provide background information (e.g., who started it? What was the time period? Where did it begin?) 3) Describe central concepts of the model. (5b) 4) Explain the value and role of positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation of the model’s support of young children. (4a) 5) Demonstrate how the model addresses intentional teaching, curriculum, instruction, and assessment for today’s young children. What are the effective strategies and tools for early education? If appropriate and/or relevant, include appropriate uses of technology. (4b) 6) Explain the roles of the parent, family and community (e.g., parents as teachers, family engagement, community partners). (2a) 7) Cite and discuss research that demonstrates the effectiveness of the model. (If this information is not found within the three resources you identified in Unit 3, then use additional resources.). (6d) Option 3: Diversity and Cultural Competence Research and explain the critical importance of being a “culturally responsive teacher”. (If the information required below is not found within the three resources you identified in Unit 3, then use additional resources.). Include the following in your paper: 1) Define central concepts underlying diversity and cultural competence. (5b) 2) Identify best practices for fostering cultural awareness and appreciation in early childhood programs. Include the value of positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for cultural competence. (4a) 3) Critique and explain how to infuse multicultural content into programs, curriculum, and daily learning experiences. (6d) 4) Describe effective strategies and tools for early education, include appropriate uses of technology. (4b) 5) Describe two strategies for effectively involving parents, families and the community. (2a) Option 4: Inclusion Research the definition, history, benefits, and challenges of inclusion. Choose one population of children: special needs, English Language Learners, or gifted and talented. Include the following in your paper (If the information required below is not found within the three resources you identified in Unit 3, then use additional resources): 1) State your chosen population and the reasons for your selection. 2) Define central concepts underlying inclusion and IDEA. Demonstrate how IDEA affects inclusion of your chosen population. (5b) State the federal guidelines mandated within IDEA. 3) Describe different inclusion models including advantages and disadvantages. Include the value of positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation of an inclusion model. (4a) 4) Describe effective strategies and tools for early education, include appropriate uses of technology. (4b) For example: For children with special needs, present different disabilities and explain how you would use an inclusion model to support their needs. What are the federal guidelines to make a facility “accessible” to those with disabilities? 5) Specify at least two concrete ways you, as an educator, would partner with families to best support children’s optimal learning, growth and success. (2a) 6) Cite and discuss research from two sources about your chosen population with regard to a critical perspective related to early education. (If this information is not found within the three resources you identified in Unit 3, then use additional resources.)