These learning modules are highlights of higher education courses from the EarlyEdU Alliance®. EarlyEdU follows an innovative competency- and practice-based framework. Although this approach is similar to the 15-minute In-service Suites, these learning modules go a bit deeper than the In-service Suites. They combine theory and the latest early childhood education research with students' field-based learning.
Trainers and instructors can use these modules for professional development or higher education classes. When using the modules for professional development, trainers may also want to partner with their institutions of higher education to offer continuing education units (CEUs) for completion. Participants will learn about child development and effective teaching practices. They will also watch relevant videos of classroom teachers interacting with children, discuss and try out the practices, and reflect on their own experiences.
The modules range in length from 1½ to 3 hours. Each includes a media-rich PowerPoint presentation, presenter notes, learning activities, and a resource list. Participants film and reflect on their own practices with video assignments.
Led by the University of Washington, the EarlyEdU Alliance works to increase access to affordable, relevant courses leading to college degrees that prepare early childhood teachers for success in the classroom. For more information, visit the EarlyEdU Alliance website or view the EarlyEdU Alliance webinar.
Building Skills in Two Languages
Discover ways to support children who are dual language learners. Find out how to teach new vocabulary and build language and concept development. Learn how to talk with families about ways to continue to use their home language.
Child Development: Brain Building
Explore this module to learn about children's brain building and development. It includes the following topics: Brain Building Basics, the Brain and Learning, and Stress and the Brain.
Dual Language Learners: Program and Family Support
In this module, explore the four components of effective program and family support of dual language learners. They are first and second language development, family engagement, intentional language support, and examining beliefs and culture.
Emotional Literacy
Learn about practices to teach children emotional vocabulary and help them identify emotions. Discover strategies to talk with families about emotional literacy.
Mindfulness: A Resilience Practice
Learn mindfulness practices to help build teacher resilience. Explore the negative and positive impacts of stress. Use these practices to develop calm and centered states, and lead children in at least one mindfulness practice.
Ongoing Child Assessment to Support Learning
Learn about ongoing child assessment and its components. Explore the ongoing assessment cycle, observation and documentation, engaging families, and additional assessment considerations.
Positive Behavior Support
Learn about Positive Behavior Support and its relationship to social and emotional development. Find strategies to help children understand emotions, solve problems, develop friendship skills, and more.
Practice-Based Coaching: Components and Implementation Strategies
This module describes Practice-Based Coaching (PBC) and its components: collaborative partnerships, shared goals and action planning, focused observation, and reflection and feedback. Learn about strategies for effective implementation of PBC and the benefits of using video in PBC.
Using Interactive Media in Early Learning
Explore how to choose, evaluate, and use interactive media with children in early learning settings. Learn about what effective practices are key for interacting with children using media.
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Resource Type: Article
National Centers: Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning
Audience: Teachers and Caregivers
Last Updated: March 21, 2023