Early childhood educators seeking leadership roles can develop the skills and advanced knowledge they need through comprehensive studies in an online Master of Science (M.S.) in Early Childhood Services program such as the one offered by Arkansas State University (A-State). For instance, students enrolled in A-State’s program can expect to gain a thorough understanding of basic child development models underpinning early childhood education.
This foundation correlates with different early childhood education curriculum models, and students will learn to design their own early childhood programs and curricula. Research shows that early childhood education programs that incorporate stimulating and developmentally appropriate curricula can have long-lasting positive impacts on children in terms of foundational academic and literacy skills as well as social-emotional development. Clearly, advancing knowledge of curriculum development and design is crucial to becoming an effective leader in early childhood education and services.
Early Childhood Development Models
Early twentieth-century researchers spent a great deal of time researching children in controlled settings to determine if they could predict children’s development. Then they set about trying to share their ideas about how to teach children. The following are few of the most influential areas of child development theory and some of the people who pioneered them:
- Psychoanalytical Theory. According to Freud and Erikson, child development occurs in various stages, and children experience conflict based on what they were born to do and what society expects them to do.
- Behavioral and Social Learning Theory. According to Watson and Skinner, child development is about the importance of environment and nurturing the growth of a child.
- Cognitive Development Theory. Piaget and Vygotsky focused on how children learn in a developmental fashion.
- Biological Theory. Gesell maintained that heredity affected growth in children. Thus, development is a biological process, primarily determined by genetics.
- System Theory. According to Bronfenbrenner, no one single concept can explore or explain development; rather, a more multidimensional and complex system is necessary. He explained that environment shapes the child’s development — as do the child’s relationships.
Early Childhood Education Curriculum Design Evolved From Numerous Theories and Philosophies
A master’s degree program focused on early childhood development offers educators the opportunity to learn how to design their own curricula based on child development models or theories with which they either agree or disagree. Often, early development theories coincide with different educational models and philosophies that evolve, seeking to apply theories effectively to curricula in educational settings.
Students of early childhood education will study various curricular models, such as Montessori, which originated with founder Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori approach focuses on the holistic development of a child, being physical, social, emotional and cognitive. Montessori education emphasizes independence and choice in learning, based on the idea that children are eager to acquire knowledge. Classrooms are of mixed ages (usually a three-year span), encouraging students to learn collaboratively across development levels. Montessori also embraces diverse modalities of engagement, such as visual, auditory and tactile learning.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is also commonplace across the educational system. STEM education is often associated more with curriculum design for older children and young adults, however STEM-focused preschools engage young children in these areas of study and scientific exploration through inquiry-based and experiential activities. While STEM education may seem fairly traditional and teacher-led, inquiry-based learning approaches actually draw heavily from more student-centered, experientially-focused educational philosophies like constructivism and progressivism.
Other student-centered models and philosophies that inform early childhood education and curriculum design include the Reggio Emilia approach and Waldorf education. The Reggio Emilia approach maintains the child’s right and inherent capability to explore, discover and make meaning for themselves, in context of their relationships with other people, their environment and their experiences. Similarly, Waldorf education focuses on a child’s holistic development, emphasizing experiential education and the integration of the arts and creativity into every discipline.
Explore Curriculum Design and Child Development in an Early Childhood Master’s Program
The intersection of educational models and philosophies, child development theories and practical curriculum design is fascinating. It is also a central and critical area of study for aspiring early childhood program leaders.
A-State’s program coursework delves into child development applied to learning environments and the analysis of curriculum sources and models. Coupled with extensive studies in early childhood education leadership and administration as well as experiential practicums, this degree program can help guide an educator to their own philosophy of curriculum design while giving them the tools to administer chosen educational models effectively in real-life settings.
Learn more about the Arkansas State University online M.S. in Early Childhood Services program.