Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education

Education professionals in this course critically examine typical and atypical physical, cognitive/language, and social and emotional development. They examine the powerful and important influence of cultural and linguistic diversity on the development of children from the prenatal stage through age 8. They also examine new findings related to the factors that foster and impede healthy development and learning, and they explore how adults can support healthy development. Additionally, education professionals have the opportunity to observe children in a variety of settings to gain practical insight on the developing child in the real world.

Researchers indicate that long-term benefits from early childhood programs result only when the programs are of high quality. In this course, education professionals explore the components essential to program effectiveness, including planning for, improving, and evaluating program quality. They learn research-based, effective practices for promoting learning and development across developmental domains and subject matter areas in children from birth through age 8. Education professionals transfer new knowledge and skills to an authentic context through practical assignments, such as reflective blog posts and real-world observations of professionals in the field.

Understanding and respecting the diversity and individuality of every child and family is central to effective practice and at the heart of the early childhood field. Education professionals in this course examine family cultures and their impact on children and programs, and they investigate issues related to access, equity, and social justice. Through assignments designed to provide practical application of content, they also work toward developing an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of diversity, scrutinizing their own biases to effectively work with and advocate for all children and families.

Diversity can have a profound influence on children's development and learning. Education professionals in this course explore areas of diversity, including developmental and learning needs, such as English-language learners, children on the autism spectrum, and children with developmental delays. They also address the impact of living in poverty and experiencing stress/violence/trauma in the context of families, early childhood settings, and school classrooms. Applying course concepts, education professionals engage in practical exercises through which they reflect on their own perspectives and biases and learn the complex ways families influence their children. Moreover, they learn the importance of using current research and resources to improve developmental and learning outcomes for every child.

Working with children and families who have diverse developmental and learning needs requires not only a deep understanding of and respect for the individual child but also research-based knowledge of effective practices, strategies, and services. Through this course, education professionals develop and assess practical strategies and tools needed in educational settings to plan curriculum, teach, assess, and, if necessary, refer young children. They learn to use knowledge of children's unique characteristics to help create respectful, supportive, and challenging environments and experiences that foster healthy development and learning.