Early Childhood Care

Module 1 (Weeks 1–3): Understanding the Field of Early Childhood Care and Education

Introduction

How does one gain an understanding of foundational thinking and stay current on the issues endemic to the field of early childhood? Fortunately, the field has two highly regarded professional organizations—Zero to Three and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)—that provide a means for both.

“Zero to Three is a national nonprofit, multidisciplinary organization that supports the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers, and their families. We carry out that mission through a range of activities that inform, educate, and support the adults who influence very young children’s lives.” (http://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_util_faq”NAEYC’s mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights, and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources.” (NAEYC Bylaws, Article I., Section 1.1) (http://www.naeyc.org/about/mission)

In this module, you will explore the Web sites for both of these organizations in order to better understand the outstanding resources available to you as student and future professional in the early childhood field

Learning Objectives

A student will:

• Reflect on prior and desired knowledge of what it means to be a professional in the early childhood field
• Conduct an exploration of the Zero to Three and NAEYC Web sites in order to become familiar with these resources and expand and deepen knowledge of the early childhood field.