Information Package / Course Catalogue
Models and Approaches in Early Childhood Education
Course Code: ÇGP206
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Short Cycle (Associate's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 3
Objectives of the Course

The objective of this course is to introduce historical, classical, and contemporary alternative educational models and approaches shaping early childhood education globally; and to provide students with the competence to analyze and synthesize the philosophical foundations, educational environments, teacher roles, and curriculum structures of these approaches within the context of the Century of Türkiye Education Model and national preschool curricula.

Course Content

Historical and philosophical foundations of early childhood education; Montessori, Reggio Emilia, High Scope, Waldorf, Bank Street, and Head Start models; contemporary and current approaches (Forest and Nature Schools, Te Whariki, Reggio Ateliers, PYP Early Years Programme, Project Approach); preschool structure of the Century of Türkiye Education Model and comparative analysis of different approaches.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the fundamental developmental theories and historical/philosophical foundations of educational models shaping early childhood education.
2.Analyzes the educational environment, materials, and implementation principles of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, High Scope, Waldorf, Bank Street, and Head Start approaches.
3.Distinguishes the methodological characteristics of contemporary educational movements such as Forest/Nature Schools, Te Whariki, IB-PYP Early Years, and the Project Approach.
4.Prepares an original and holistic activity plan suitable for early childhood using the preschool curriculum components of the Century of Türkiye Education Model (virtues, values, actions, dispositions).
5.Develops original learning environment designs aimed at the developmental needs of early childhood children by synthesizing the principles of different educational approaches.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Temel, F. Z. (Ed.). (2022). Approaches and Programs in Early Childhood Education. Vize Publishing.
2.Roopnarine, J. L., & Johnson, J. E. (2020). Approaches to Early Childhood Education (7th ed.). Pearson.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Early Childhood Education: The Concept of Childhood and the Impact of Developmental Theories on Models.
Week 2 - Theoretical
Montessori Approach: Philosophy, Prepared Environment Principle, Authentic Educational Materials, and the Role of the Teacher.
Week 3 - Theoretical
Reggio Emilia Approach: The Concept of "The Hundred Languages of Children," and Environment/Space as the Third Teacher.
Week 4 - Theoretical
Modern Reggio Emilia Practice: The Concept of "Atelier" (Studio), Light Tables, and Integration of Digital Tools with Reggio Education.
Week 5 - Theoretical
High Scope Approach: Active Learning Principle, Classroom Arrangement, Daily Routine (Plan-Do-Review), and Learning Areas.
Week 6 - Theoretical
Waldorf Approach: Philosophical Foundations (Anthroposophy), Rhythms, Natural Materials, and Arts-Oriented Educational Structure.
Week 7 - Theoretical
Bank Street (Developmental-Interaction Approach) and Head Start Models: Social Climate, Curriculum Structures, and Social Participation Principle.
Week 8 - Theoretical
Nature and Forest Schools: Outdoor Pedagogy, the Concept of Risky Play, and Learning Techniques in Nature.
Week 9 - Theoretical
New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum: Te Whariki Approach, Core Principles and Strands, Cultural Responsiveness.
Week 10 - Theoretical
International Baccalaureate (IB) Early Years Programme: PYP (Primary Years Programme) and Inquiry-Based Learning.
Week 11 - Theoretical
The Project Approach (Lilian Katz): Phases of Project Work in Early Childhood, In-depth Investigation, and Documentation Processes.
Week 12 - Theoretical
Century of Türkiye Education Model: Structure of the Preschool Education Curriculum, Core Values, Dispositions, and Holistic Development Approach.
Week 13 - Theoretical
Preparing a Preschool Activity Plan Within the Scope of the Century of Türkiye Education Model: Integration of Model Concepts (Virtue-Value-Action), Learning Outcomes, Dispositions, and Holistic Development Elements into the Plan.
Week 14 - Theoretical
Preparing a Preschool Activity Plan Within the Scope of the Century of Türkiye Education Model: Integration of Model Concepts (Virtue-Value-Action), Learning Outcomes, Dispositions, and Holistic Development Elements into the Plan.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Quiz1%10
Verbal Examination1%10
Midterm Examination1%20
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140228
Individual Work141128
Quiz1516
Midterm Examination1516
Final Examination1617
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)75
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
OÇ-1
5
4
3
4
3
4
4
4
3
4
OÇ-2
5
5
4
4
3
5
4
4
4
4
OÇ-3
5
5
4
4
4
5
5
5
4
5
OÇ-4
4
5
4
5
4
5
5
5
4
4
OÇ-5
4
5
4
4
4
5
5
5
3
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026