LEVEL 9 MICRO CREDENTIAL

This course will develop in-depth, specialized and practical knowledge in bridging together theoretical underpinning, evidence-based pedagogic practices related to emergent literacy in the early years, and students’ own practices. Students will critically reflect on theories and practices supporting a balanced approach to the development and assessment of early listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will critically examine contemporary approaches to theories and best practices in classroom pedagogy for diverse learners. The course draws on a research-informed integrated approach by combining the arts meaningfully with literacy through integrated literacy activities. Teacher candidates will develop practical and theoretical expertise related to effective planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation of evidence-based emergent literacy practices for English Language Learners in early childhood settings.

This course builds the capacity to critically evaluate, plan, lead, and implement, equitable holistic health and wellness practices in early years settings that balance the needs and rights of individual children. From this course, students will develop theoretical and practical insights, knowledge and understanding about factors that have an impact on the development of social and emotional skills of children in their early years. Students will examine and critically reflect upon complex interactions and foundational factors involved in the holistic growth of children’s health and wellbeing for developing their early years practice. Focus of reflection for further developing practice will include attention on the following foundational factors: physical, cognitive-emotional, behavioral, and psycho-social influences on health and wellness within a framework of children’s rights, protections, and care, and the context of families and culture. The course will give students the opportunity to critically analyze, design, and implement healthy, safe, and inclusive environments for children to thrive spaces for expression, movement and activities, nutrition and hygiene. The course also aims to build awareness of educator’s own health and wellness, along with that of students.

This course explores effective and innovative approaches for implementing STEM education in early childhood settings. It focuses on unified themes which are underpinned by a playbased problem solving pedagogy. Students will research and critically analyze current research and innovations in STEM and reflect on implications for both practice and policy in early childhood settings. The course recognizes the need for high-quality STEM education to begin early in a child’s life and prepares early childhood teachers to develop advanced skills in planning, implementing, and assessing STEM in developmentally appropriate ways, using research evidence-based approaches. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of teaching STEM in the early years. They will also learn to contextualize the applications of STEM ideas for the real world using practical examples with children in diverse learning settings, including outdoors, nature and community.