Principles and Practices in Teaching Young Children Sample Syllabus

Saddleback College
CD 101– Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children
Instructor:
E-mail:
Web page:
Mary “Susan” Homma
mhomma@saddleback.edu
http://www.saddleback.edu/faculty/mhomma
Phone: 949-582-4900 X 3379
Mailing Address:
Mary “Susan”Homma
Saddleback College
Child Development
28000 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92692-3635
Course Description
This course is an introductory course to the field of early childhood
education. History, theories, and current models of practice in the areas of
play, learning and educational or care-giving programs for young children
will be covered and the role of the adult in providing developmentally and
culturally appropriate practices; creating positive relationships with
children through positive guidance and working with parents.
Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcome (SLO)
1. Students who complete this class will be able to interpret best and promising
teaching and care practices as defined within the field of early care and
education’s history, range of delivery systems, program types and philosophies
and ethical standards.
2. Students who complete this class will be able to identify the underlying
theoretical perspective in forming a professional philosophy.
3. Students who complete this class will be able to assess early childhood
settings, curriculum, and teaching strategies utilizing indicators of quality early
childhood practice that support all children including those with diverse
characteristics and their families.
4. Students who complete this class will be able to examine the value of play as a
vehicle for developing skills, knowledge, dispositions, and strengthening
relationships among young children.

5. Students who complete this class will be able to examine a variety of guidance
and interaction strategies to increase children’s social competence and
promote a caring classroom community.
6. Students who complete this class will be able to analyze the relationship
between observation, planning, implementation and assessment in developing
effective teaching strategies and positive learning and development.
Required Texts needed:
Early Childhood Education birth – 8, California Edition/PCL EDUCATION
SADDLEBACK COLLEGE
Author: Tamialis
COPYRIGHT YEAR: 2010
PUBLISHER: Pearson Custom Publishing
ISBN: 9780558598570
(Can only be purchased through the Saddleback Bookstore).
Basics of Developmentally Appropriate Practice by Copple and Bredekamp,
NAEYC 2006, ISBN# 1-928896-26-X
**You will also have assigned reading articles that are available on
Blackboard. It is your responsibility to download those through our class
Blackboard site whenever you see “assigned articles” listed in the reading
assignments.**
Note: Online ordering of textbooks through half.com (and others) may take
up to 2 weeks. If you have not ordered yours two weeks prior to the class
starting, I encourage you to buy your books on campus. There is no
extension of assignment deadlines due to textbooks not arriving on time.
Course Policies
Written Assignments
All students are expected to produce college-level work. One of the goals of
this class is to prepare students to be successful professionals. Part of
having a successful image is the ability to produce neat, legible, coherent,
and grammatically correct written materials. Grammar and spelling
should be correct and do influence the points given on assignments. It is
strongly recommended that students have someone else proof
read assignments prior to turning them in. All assignments should

eflect the lecture, readings provided in the coursework and class
discussions. All assignments must be typed and must be submitted
electronically via “Turnitin” on Blackboard. This program provides the
student and the instructor with a dated and timed receipt directly after the
assignment is submitted. It also screens for plagiarism. All assignments are
due electronically before class begins on the assigned due date. Students
will need to be able to use PowerPoint, Blackboard, Word and be able to
upload pictures.
Late assignments
Late work will be permitted only if you contact me prior to the due date. If
granted the grade will be automatically reduced by 50% of the total points
for late work. The student will be given a revised due date no later than one
week of the original date. No further extensions will be considered. In the
instance of a medical emergency with documentation please contact me
and we will make arrangements. The instructor is not obligated to
administer make-up examinations. If there is a problem again contact me.
Note: make-up exams and late assignments are rarely approved.
Students must retain copies electronically of assignments until grades are
posted at the end of the semester. If a recording error should take place,
the student must show the instructor the returned assignment with points
posted for credit.
Confidentiality
In this class, we will be discussing various observations of real people. In
accordance with Principle 2.9 in the Code of Ethical Conduct (NAEYC, 1998),
all efforts should be made to protect the privacy of children, parents,
students, and staff. We will identify children by using their first name only.
Blackboard Attendance (Course Website)
This is a hybrid class that requires every student to participate in a
minimum of 9 hours on-line. This will involve and introduction and three
discussion boards on Blackboard as well as submitting all assignments
electronically using “Turnitin” on Blackboard. The point value given to this
on-line portion is 50 points which is equal to the final. Your grade will be
lowered one grade if you do not participate in the discussion board.
You will be required to participate in three discussion threads @15 points
each and one online introduction @5pts. In order to receive full credit for
the course all students must turn in every assignment on time, participate
in all discussion boards and attend every class.
Blackboard Information
Your username is your Saddleback College email address given to you at
registration (first initial of your first name, last name, and a number). An
example would be jsmith4. Your password is usually the last four numbers
of your social security plus two zeroes or your pin plus two zeroes. If you are
new to Blackboard I suggest you take the Blackboard tutorials found at:

http://socccd.blackboard.com
Technical Difficulties
Sometimes Blackboard is shut down due to web management. Usually a
notification message will be sent via MySite to students prior to shutting
down the site temporarily from CIDDE. If you are unable to access
Blackboard longer than a few hours contact me immediately. I will also post
announcements under the announcement section of our course if
Blackboard will be shut down.
General Student Technical Support:
http://www.saddleback.edu/de/help1.html
Online Etiquette
Please be respectful and courteous when responding to other students’
posts. Offensive language or negative comments will not be tolerated. If a
student is found to be disrespectful they will receive a warning in a private
email from the instructor and could potentially be dropped from the class
according to the discretion of the instructor. The following websites provide
valuable information in appropriate engagement in an on-line learning
community.
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/
http://www.chirpingbird.com/netpets/html/computer/emoticon
Academic Dishonesty and Cheating
There is a zero tolerance policy for academic dishonesty and cheating
in this classroom. All assignments must be original work by the student
done for this class only. You may not use the same observation in
other classes for this class. All observations must be original.
Turnitin will immediately flag a recycled observation and this will
be given a zero and you will be turned in for Academic Dishonesty.
All instructors have access to papers via Turnitin for all of your
classes. You may do two observations on the same day for two
different classes but you must go into a different room with
different children and different teachers. During exams, any talking or
unauthorized use of notes will be considered cheating. Students will be
given a zero on any project/assignment/test which violates this policy and
an Academic Dishonesty Report will be filed with the college Vice President
of Student Services. Please note the “Turnitin” program will be used
for all papers to check for plagiarism. Turnitin.com compares your
work against the internet as well as from student to student. If you need
more information please refer to the Student Handbook on Academic
Dishonesty or the website below.
http://www.saddleback.edu/media/pdf/handbook.pdf

Behavior/Student Conduct
Students who are disruptive in class will be asked to leave for the remainder
of that class and will be docked for participation points. If the disruptive
behavior persists after one warning the student will be officially written up
and referred to Student Services for disruptive behavior. It is up to the
discretion of the instructor based on the severity of the behavior to drop the
student from the class. Disruptive behavior is defined by excessive
tardiness, in class discussion unrelated to the topic, cell phone
usage during class, texting, sleeping or doing schoolwork during
class. Those using computers must sit in the front rows. If you are more
than 20 minutes late to class, you will be marked absent for the class and I
will ask you to leave for that class. You will lose all participation points for
that class as well.
Email/Communication
Outside of class time, email is the best way to communicate with me about
this course. Email must include your ticket number in the subject line.
Example: CD 101 -10550. Emails without ticket numbers will not be
answered. Additionally, if you email from other than your school email
address, include your first and last name – personal email addresses often
leave me guessing!
I will respond to your emails within a period over 48 hours. Generally I get
to them sooner but sometimes I have other work commitments that may
cause a delay.
Important!!! I will only send email to your school (My Site) email
address. You can have school email forwarded to another address
but this is your responsibility. I will be corresponding with you by
email regularly. It is your responsibility to check your Saddleback
email at least twice weekly to be sure you have all information. All
announcements will be posted on Blackboard as well and will be
sent directly to every student email.
Campus Learning Resources
Saddleback Student Handbook
Please read about student services, student responsibilities,
expectations for behavior, and academic integrity including issues of
plagiarism at this link or by picking up a hard copy in the Social and
Behavioral Sciences Division Office.
http://www.saddleback.cc.ca.us/media/pdf/handbook.pdf
Additional Student Support Services
Career Guidance
Services
Transfer Center
Financial Aid
Job
Search/Placement

Child Development
Center
Learning Assistance
Program
(writing help and other
tutoring)
Student Health Center
(Physical and Mental
Health)
Veterans Services
Disabled Students
Programs &
Services (DSPS)
Services
Extended Opportunity
Programs & Services
(EOPS)
Re-Entry/Women's
Resource Center
Computer Labs
They are located in: BGS 248, LAP in the Village, and SM207.
LAP
The Learning Assistance Program is a free service available for tutoring and
can help you with writing assistance. It is re-located to the Village. Please
call in advance for a tutoring appointment.
949-582-4519
www.saddleback.edu/library
Grading Criteria
Grading
Class Participation (10@5pts each) 50
Evidence based practice Assignment 20
4 Field Observations @ 40points each 160
Play based learning brochure assignment 40
(Group presentation/content) 60
Professional Portfolio 40
Out of class assignment (Weekly On-line Discussion)
3@15 points each 45
Online Introduction 5
Midterm Exam 50
Final Exam 50
Total Possible Points 520
90-100% A 468-520 points
80-89% B 416-467
70-79% C 364-415
60-69% D 312-363
59% and below F 311 and below
NOTE: In order to receive full credit for the class every assignment
needs to be turned in on time, participation is required for all
online discussion threads (3), all in class discussions and students
need to attend every weekly class on campus.

This course is graded on points not percentages
Students are graded on points earned only (there is no curve)
There are no extra credit assignments
There is no late work accepted unless you received a special approval
from the instructor with proper medical documentation
A grade of D will not count for a Child Development Permit
Complete weekly assignments will be posted in the
tab on Blackboard
You must attend and complete all four of the required child
observations to pass this class. Each observation needs to be an
original one for this class only. No observation can be used for more
than one class. This is considered Academic Dishonesty.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Class Participation
All students must come prepared to class. That means you will have
completed all of the reading assignments and articles before class. In order
to receive weekly class participation points you will need to actively
contribute to class discussions on topic and in-class small group activities.
Participation points are worth 50 points over the course of the semester.
Field Observations
These assignments present opportunities for the student to gain experience
in observing and interpreting the many different types of programs and
curriculum. The observations are a chance to apply readings and class
discussion. Details for each observation will be provided in class prior to the
due date. If you work in an early childhood setting which fits the description
of the program you are to observe, you may do one field observation at
your site but not during a time when you are responsible for children. You
must be free to be an observer. Observations must be done in a
licensed childcare facility. Drop-in programs such as health club
childcare programs, church nursery, etc. are not acceptable. The
programs must be licensed programs with qualified teachers.
Children need to be present during the observations and will last
about one hour per observation.
**Note that you will need to have proof of a negative TB test within
the past year or you will not be allowed to visit any Head Start site
(and many preschools - such as the Saddleback Lab School- require
this as well**). If you do not have one, you may get one for free at the
Student Health Center on campus on Mondays or Tuesdays (they will need
to be read on Wednesday or Thursday of that same week). You may also get
one from your personal doctor. All observations must be new and original
for this class. Observations from other classes may not be used for this
class. If this occurs you will receive a zero and will be turned in for Academic
Dishonesty.

All four observation assignments are required to complete this
class.
Evidence Based Practice Assignment
You will explore the Research Connections website and complete a small
research project based on instructions given in the assignment folder.
Professional Portfolio
You will compile a personal Professional Portfolio which will include
documentation of your education and your professional experience.
Details and format will be given in the assignment folder.
Play Based Learning Brochure
You will design and distribute a brochure or newsletter which explains the
concept of play-based learning. The individual brochures will be publicly
displayed in the display windows outside of classrooms BGS 134 and BGS
135. The feedback portion of this brochure must be completed otherwise
this assignment will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
The second part of this assignment is to collaborate in pre-selected groups
and prepare a 5 minute presentation that summarizes your groups
experience in creating a brochure.
Out of Class Assignment (Discussion Board)
Our class has “9 hours internet” listed on the class schedule. This is work
that must be made up because we began 3 weeks after the official
beginning of the semester. You will receive details for this assignment
during week 1. It will consist of three on-line discussions (3@15pts each)
and an online introduction (5pts) via Blackboard. Topics will be related to in
class discussion and the text readings. Participation is mandatory.
Mid-term Exam
Your mid-term exam will be a practical application of learned material.
Final Exam
Your final exam will also be a practical application of learned material.
Blackboard
Our course Blackboard site will be used for the following:
• Grades – Your progress will be posted in the tab area
of Blackboard
• Assignments- all will be turned in electronically via “Turnitin” on
Blackboard
• Articles - assigned for your readings will be posted on Blackboard.
It is your responsibility to print or save the articles to a Word file.

Paper copies will not be given in class.
• On-line discussions- in order to satisfy the 9 hours of internet
required for this course, students will be required to participate in
three discussions on-line. On-line discussion, participation, and posts
will be tracked. A weekly score will be given to help you determine the
overall participation grade given at the end of the semester. The full
value for each discussion is 15 points, this adds up over the semester
to a total of 50 points which is roughly the same value as the final.
• Syllabus and Course Schedule- will be posted on Blackboard along
with regular announcements after the first class meeting. Check in
the on Blackboard for all assignments, text
readings, required articles, Discussion Board threads and course
resources.
Access to Blackboard will be demonstrated in class. You may also
visit the student help site at the following web address for questions for
your online class work:
http://www.saddleback.edu/de/help1.html
Rubric for On-line Discussion via Blackboard
Score
Criteria
0-8 pts o No original postings (replies do not count as original postings)
o Too long/rambling/unorganized thoughts
o Lack of respectful consideration of classmates’ opinions
o Grammar and spelling errors detract from expression of thought
o Incomplete response
o Postings clustered all on one day
9-12 pts o Appropriate basic original posting with at least 2 appropriate
replies to classmates (note: appropriate replies to classmates go
beyond social comments such as “good idea” or “I agree”)
o Includes all information asked for
o Postings spread throughout the week
o Spelling and grammar do not detract from meaning of post
o Posted on only 2 separate days
12-15 pts o Original posting contributes to overall learning and knowledge of
the class. May include links to additional resources on the topic
o Replies expand upon classmates contributions
o
o
Succinct and to the point, yet complete
3 or more postings spread throughout the week without
overpowering the topic
Observation Procedures

When observing in a center, you represent Saddleback College. Please
observe the following rules of courtesy:
1. Dress modestly and appropriately for a school setting.
2. Do not talk to parents, children, or fellow students. This is very
important!
3. Observation students should not interact with children-your role is
strictly observational. Should a child approach you, briefly explain that
you are busy with your writing work and direct them to a working adult.
4. Find a place to sit where you are close enough to see and hear what is
going on, but will not obstruct or become part of the children’s play or
activities.
5. Move around. Do not stay in one place for your entire observation.
6. Drinking, eating (includes gum and candy), and smoking are not
permitted at the Centers.
7. Do not bring purses, cell phones, backpacks or other bags into the
children’s environment. Leave valuables at home. Center staff is not
responsible for lost or stolen items.
8. You may not observe with a friend or classmate. Collaborative work is
not permitted for the observations.
9. Observations last one hour and you must check in and check out with the
director who will sign your director’s letter and write you’re your time
spent there.
10. YOU MUST OBSERVE A CLASSROOM WITH CHLDREN PRESENT. IT IS
OKAY TO OBSERVE CHILDREN OUTSIDE IN AN ACTIVITY. HOWEVER,
YOU WILL STILL NEED TO WRITE DOWN THE LAYOUT, CENTERS,
MATERIALS AND OTHER SPECIFIC ITEMS REGARDING THE INSIDE OF
THE CLASSROOM.
11. You need to submit an electronic copy of your observation before class
begins on the due date. In class you will turn in the signed director’s
letter. If you forget to turn in the letter your assignment will be
considered late which means zero points.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
This course meets the requirements set forth in the accessibility
checklist and universal design grid provided by Special Services. The
Web pages, video presentations, textbooks and class materials used in
this course are accessible to students with disabilities.
Note: if you have a specific learning disability and require accommodations,
please let me know at the first class meeting so that your learning needs
may be appropriately met. You will need to provide documentation of your
disability to the Saddleback College Special Services Office in the Student
Services Center, Room 113. Many services are available to you as a
Saddleback College Student, including testing. All discussions will remain
confidential.

The instructor reserves the right to modify the information on the
syllabus to better meet the needs of the class. Any changes made
directly in class will be considered as the current policy and will
supersede this document.