Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood. Starting Right.

Preschool teachers need specialized knowledge and skills in the unique developmental and learning needs of preschoolers. Early childhood educators need to be fully aware of what is developmentally appropriate, in line with the social, cognitive, and physical development of young children. Additionally, teachers of preschool students need to understand how to develop language-rich learning environments that support emerging literacy and a successful start in school.

Developed in partnership with Dr. Susan Landry, Director and Founder of the Children's Learning Institute at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, this Program of Study is designed to provide training in teaching strategies for early childhood providers enabling them to enhance pre-literacy and school-readiness skills for young children.

This Program of Study includes onsite coaching for instructional leaders, content-focused observation protocols, and valuable online resources like the following:

• Setting the Stage: Developing Language-Rich Environments - Pre-K
  The classroom environment is, in itself, an essential factor in promoting rich language experiences for young children. This online resource addresses this by focusing on creating the physical environments that promote early literacy and on the stimulation and support young children need to scaffold their emerging literacy.
• Supporting Emerging Literacy: Developmentally Appropriate Approaches to Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing -
  Pre-K
  Phonological awareness, the richness of language offered through effective read-alouds, and effective learning of letter and language concepts are critical precursors to reading and writing. This online resource supports development of effective strategies to implement these key skills.
• Strategies for Mentors and Instructional Leaders: Helping Teachers Build Language-Rich Environments - Pre-K
  This online resource for mentors and other instructional leaders focuses on supporting teachers as they become proficient at developing language rich environments and in providing developmentally appropriate ways to support listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.