The purpose of this course is to have the students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the following areas: Definitions, principles, importance and benefits of early chilhood education, the foundational philosophies and history of early childhood education, current status of early chilhood education around the world and in Turkey, the characteristics and needs of children in early chilhood period, the characteristics of early chilhood teachers, types of early childhood institutions and programs, physical, social and educational environment of early childhood programs, the role and importance of family in early chilhood.

Early childhood concept, early childhood and preschool education in Turkey and in the world, description, principles, improvement and benefits of preschool education, basic ideas of preschool education and historical development of preschool education, present situation of preschool education in Turkey and in the world, basic characteristics of preschool teacher, kind of preschool education’ institutions (kindergarten, day care center etc.), physical, social and educational environment characteristics in preschool institution, family importance and role of preschool education.