EDCT 5336 - Positive Discipline for Early Childhood Educators
Course Description
Designed for early childhood educators, teachers, and caregivers who work with children from birth to six years of age, this course will introduce the theory and tools of Positive Discipline, a non-punitive, non-permissive approach to supporting young children. The key components of the Positive Discipline model are mutual dignity and respect, encouragement, and using kindness and firmness at the same time. Primary tools include teaching social skills, learning to recognize discouragement and the mistaken goals of behavior. The course will start with an introduction to the concepts of Adlerian theory, include information on development, and other tools for supporting and guiding young children either one on one or in group settings.
Learner Outcomes
By the end of the course participants will:
- Be able to create a classroom or care setting where children can develop a sense of belonging and significance based on the importance of contribution and mutual respect.
- Understand how young children learn and how to adapt teaching to the needs of this age group.
- Be able to foster essential social and emotional skills to support development and school readiness, and understand behavior and how to guide it in groups of young children.
- Be able to teach the essential skills for developmentally appropriate participation in class meetings.
- Understand Positive Discipline and Adlerian concepts for use in the classroom, preschool community, and with parents.