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Iowa Early Childhood Network

The Iowa Early Childhood Network is a leadership group of Early Childhood specialists from each Area Educational Agency (AEA) who meet monthly to provide technical assistance to early childhood programs within their region.

Mission

The Mission of the Iowa Early Childhood Network is to promote the optimal development and education of all young children by providing leadership and support collaborative efforts between families, schools, and communities.

The Early Childhood Network's belief statements are framed around the concept of life-long learning. The following statements include beliefs for children and adults.

Beliefs About Children:
  • A sense of belonging is a critical need of each child and begins with the child's family.
  • Each child is a unique individual and learns best in an environment that celebrates diversity.
  • Meeting the comprehensive needs of each child is a responsibility shared by the family, school, community, and government agencies.
  • Young children learn through play and active engagement with their environment.
  • Children grow best when they are treated with dignity and experience love, respect, and freedom from violence.
  • Early childhood development and education are enhanced through social interactions and with support from adults who are significant to the child.
  • The care and education of young children is the foundation for developing productive citizens in our democratic society.
Beliefs About Adults:
  • Acceptance and support by peers is integral to personal well-being.
  • All people are unique, and this diversity strengthens the group.
  • People are empowered through collaborative efforts.
  • Adults learn best in a supportive environment that includes meaningful work, active engagement, personal commitment, and time for reflection.
  • Relationships based on dignity, respect, recognition, and acceptance foster creativity and productivity.
  • Our professional growth depends upon the interaction and support that occurs within The Early Childhood Network (professional individual and collective).

Legal Requirements and Reports

Iowa Code section 279.51 governs the ECN.

Supporting Documents

The Primary Program is a framework of the current knowledge base and encourage each user to continue learning as new information becomes available. The Primary Program is a resource for adult learners/educators as they plan and organize local curriculum.

Front Cover and Inside of cover 1 Front Cover and Inside of cover

Dedication Table of Contents Dedication Table of Contents

Table of Contents 3 Table of Contents

Guiding Principles and Goals of The Primary Program 6 Guiding Principles and Goals of The Primary Program

Position Statements Position Statements

Partnerships with Families and Communities Partnerships with Families and Communities

Considerations for Implementation Considerations for Implementation

Cultural Diversity in Learning and Learners Cultural Diversity in Learning and Learners

Easing Transitions Easing Transitions

Active Learning in the Classroom--Common Understndings Active Learning in the Classroom--Common Understndings

Active Learning in the Classroom--Planning for Learning Active Learning in the Classroom--Planning for Learning

Active Learning in the Classroom--Classroom Organization Active Learning in the Classroom--Classroom Organization

Technology in the Primary Curriculum Technology in the Primary Curriculum

Widely-Held Expectations Widely-Held Expectations

Aesthetic and Artistic Development in the Primary Program Aesthetic and Artistic Development in the Primary Program

Social and Emotional Development in the Primary Program Social and Emotional Development in the Primary Program

Intellectual Development in the Primary Program Intellectual Development in the Primary Program

Language Arts in the Primary Program Language Arts in the Primary Program

Mathematics in the Primary Program Mathematics in the Primary Program

Sciences in the Primary Program Sciences in the Primary Program

Physical Development and Well Being in the Primary Program Physical Development and Well Being in the Primary Program

Physical Education in the Primary Program Physical Education in the Primary Program

Health and Well-Being in the Primary Program Health and Well-Being in the Primary Program

Development of Responsibility in the Primary Program Development of Responsibility in the Primary Program

Social Studies in the Primary Program Social Studies in the Primary Program

Responsible Living in the Primary Program Responsible Living in the Primary Program

Assessment and Evaluation in the Primary Program Assessment and Evaluation in the Primary Program

Integrated Curriculum in the Primary Program Integrated Curriculum in the Primary Program

Credits Credits

Contacts

Contacts in your Area

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© 2012 Iowa Department of Education:

400 E 14th St | Des Moines, IA 50319-0146 | Ph: 515-281-5294 | Fax: 515-242-5988