Offered autumn. This on-line course presents the foundation principles and practices of early childhood education (ages birth through eight). The main topics to be covered will include: the sociological, professional, and theoretical perspectives of early childhood education with a focus on developmentally appropriate practice (DAP); the skills and dispositions needed in planning and implementing early care and education programs for all children; and education models in early childhood. Students will assume a leadership role in this co-convened course (EDEC 408) to include class presentations of research papers. Level: Graduate