Early Childhood Education: Theoretical Perspectives

Early Childhood Education: Theoretical Perspectives
Abstract
Studies confirm that high-quality education early in a child’s life leads to continued success in school, at work, and results in a healthier well-rounded student who is emotionally and socially strong. In most early childhood programs and schools, technology will be part of the learning background of the future. To make sure this new technology is used effectively, we must confirm that teachers are fully trained and supported. In this paper, theoretical perspectives of child development are discussed with the basic elements of learning program.
Introduction
“The sooner the better” is the ideal tag line for early childhood education. The experiences of children in their early years

Strong emphasis is given on nurturing relationships with the families of young children and functioning collaboratively with other professionals. The program offers a series of coursework encircling infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary children. Through student teaching, field placements, and practical learning, students build up competence in the use of developmentally appropriate methods and practices. Major themes within the program comprises of understanding and admiring family diversity, supporting families in their roles with young children, and addressing the necessities of children with special needs in comprehensive

It starts with infancy and continues to adulthood. By gaining knowledge about child development, a synopsis of what children can do at various ages can be formed. Following are the three theoretical perspectives of child development:
i. Maturationist’s View of Child Development :
Maturationism is a premature childhood educational philosophy emphasizing the child as a growing individual in which knowledge exists. Based on Arnold Gessell’s work, maturationists suggest that “genetic factors play a bigger role in development than environmental ones” [8]. The biological process of development is the budding of conventional stages and programmed designs of behavior. The child is anticipated to achieve knowledge “logically and instinctively” from peripheral sources only when maturation generates willingness for it [9]. The maturationist teacher works primarily as an observer to identify signs of development and as a provider of an environment that places little demands on the