ECE Outdoor Learning Environments (CC)

This program adds an additional credential option to the ECE Initial Certificate. The certificate aligns with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families outdoor pre-school licensing. It will successfully meet state licensing requirements and processes to expand access to safe, high-quality childcare and education outdoors while eliminating racial disproportionalities.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the certificate, students will:

1. Describe how children learn and develop through play and the role of play in early childhood programs 
2. Develop an awareness of early childhood environments based on best practices in early childhood education 
3. Observe, analyze, and compare early childhood program models 
4. Explain the importance of building a partnership with children’s families and describe how early childhood programs can work effectively with families from a variety of cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 
5. Identify developmentally appropriate problem-solving alternatives for guidance and discipline techniques used in family and classroom settings 
6. Describe the observation, assessment, and teaching cycle and apply this model when planning curriculum and activities for young children 
7. Describe the professional code of ethics for early care and education and demonstrate how the code can be applied to ethical dilemmas 
8. Describe the major historical figures and events in early childhood education and their impact on current issues and trends as well as advocacy