DO NOT DELETE THIS SECTION
Foundations in Early Childhood Education
ECE101 | 3 Credits
Want to decide if a career in education is right for you? Our Foundations in Early Childhood Education online course explores what it really means to be an educator today. You’ll get a comprehensive approach to educational approaches and learn how schools function. You’ll also examine the broader context of education, including the roles that different stakeholders play and how resources impact school success.
Professor:
About Foundations in Early Childhood Education
What You’ll Learn
During our Foundations of Early Childhood Education online course, you will consider what it means to be an educator in the 21st century. Engage in activities that will help you understand the U.S. educational system by reflecting, comparing, and analyzing how our schools currently function and what areas need improvement. You'll also learn about the varying contexts of how community members, administrators, teachers, and students function within the educational system and how resources can impact how successful or unsuccessful schools can be. Foundations of Early Childhood Education will help you determine if education is the right career path for you.
- Understand what it means to be in the teaching profession and how teacher preparation has changed over the years.
- Engage in a reflective discussion about how teachers can foster students’ growth mindsets and help students develop their EQ while meeting the needs of learners with exceptionalities.
- Apply how unconscious bias influences life in the classroom and how deficit, expectation, and cultural difference theories explain dissimilar academic performance among various racial, ethnic, and cultural groups.
- Critically consider how the history of education (including the Colonial period, Common School movement, and the education of underrepresented groups) contextualized the way education in America was formed and then how the educational system evolved as a result of reform efforts, federal programs, and influential educators.
- Engage in information discovery and analysis regarding some of the major philosophies of education in the United States today and identify some of the psychological and cultural factors influencing education.
- Compare the parameters of educational equity and educational adequacy and understand how school boards and superintendents manage schools within the confines of budgets and broader community constraints.
- Create an outline for how school reform options have impacted public schools and for the role of teachers, community members, and students within those efforts.
- Identify the formal and hidden curriculum taught in schools today and the cultural and political implications resulting from current reform efforts like the Common Core State standards, and how technology is being integrated.
- Demonstrate how teachers navigate their classrooms, set a stage for learning, and support effective instruction in a multitude of ways using different models of instruction.
StraighterLine Courses Include:
-
Self-paced workload
-
Digital Textbooks
-
Transcript Delivery
-
Grade Improvement Opportunities
-
Interactive Modules
-
Video Lessons
-
24/7 Tutoring & Support
-
Access on Desktop and Mobile
Transfer Credit in 3 Easy Steps
Pick Your Course & Enroll
Getting started is simple — no applications, waitlists, or deadlines. Just create an account, choose your course, and start learning right away.
Every course is self-paced and fully online, so you can fit learning into your life — not the other way around. With support resources included and no hidden fees, you're in control from day one.
Go at Your Own Pace
No rigid schedules, no stress. Just real online college courses you can start anytime, anywhere, and finish on your own terms.
StraighterLine courses offer interactive lessons and assignments that help you understand and retain the material, and come with everything you need to stay on track and succeed — including digital textbooks, tutoring, and real people to support you on your journey to your degree.
Transfer Your Credits, Save Thousands on Tuition
Complete your course with a 70% or higher to make your credits eligible for transfer. Then head to your Student Dashboard, select “Request Transcript,” and tell us where to send it — we’ll take it from there at no additional cost.
Not sure whether your school accepts StraighterLine courses? Our Enrollment Specialists can find out for you!
Does My School Accept This Course?
We’ll find out for you. Students have successfully transferred StraighterLine course credits to 3,000+ schools. Our Enrollment Specialists will contact your college directly to confirm your credits will transfer, so you don’t have to.
WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
Foundations of Early Childhood Education encourages learners to consider what it means to be an educator in the 21st century, empowering them to analyze current issues that they may encounter in a modern teaching career. This course introduces learners to important foundational frameworks, such as emotional and multiple intelligences and the growth mindset. In addition, learners will gain an understanding of the history and evolution of the American Educational system—including its roots and current context.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0118
Flexible Schedule
28-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 162,000 Times
$165,200,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take Foundations of Early Childhood Education.
Course Text
The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost.
- Sadker, D. M., Zittleman, K. R., & Koch, M. (2022). Teachers, schools, and society (6th ed). McGraw-Hill
Course Checkpoints
Teaching and Learning
- The Teaching Profession—Teaching as a Career
- Teacher Preparation
- Beyond the First Year
- Growth Mindset and Multiple Intelligences
- Social and Emotional Learning
- Differences in Learning
- Unconscious Bias
- English Language Learning (ELL)
- Multicultural Education
The Foundations of Schools—Part 1
- History of American Education—The Colonial Period
- Educational Reform
- Race and Ethnicity
The Foundations of Schools—Part 2
- Philosophies of Education—Five Philosophies of Education
- Psychological Influences
- Western Philosophy
- How Schools Operate—Funding American Schools
- Future School Financing
- Governing American Schools
Schools and Classrooms
- Current Classroom Reforms—Current Schools
- Reform Movements
- Factors in Effective Schools
- Curriculum, Standards, and Assessment—Types of Assessment
- What Shapes the Curriculum
- Testing Culture
- Effective Teachers—What Makes an Effective Teacher
- Pedagogy
- Models of Instruction
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 11 Reflective Response Assignments
- 6 Case Studies
- 8 Quizzes
- 1 Graded Midterm
- 1 Graded Final
This course has an open-book Final Exam.
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Any required course materials
Your Academic Team
Your Faculty Team
We’re not just a platform — we’re a team of professional educators committed to your success. Our courses are built by academic professionals who are leaders in higher education, and your assignments are graded by real people who provide meaningful feedback so you can keep progressing.
Support Team
At StraighterLine, there are real people working behind the scenes to guide you through every course, quiz, and “I’m stuck” moment.
- Enrollment Services
- On-Demand Tutors
- Academic Advisors
- Tech Support
Course Professor
Tutoring & Career Resources
Your StraighterLine membership comes with the tools and guidance you need to thrive academically and take confident steps toward your career.
24/7 live, on-demand tutoring, access via chat or video
Exam and certification prep tools
Faculty Connect portal
24/7 live, on-demand tutoring, access via chat or video
Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
Exam and certification prep tools
Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
Professional development assistance
Resume-building resources
Professional development assistance
Faculty Connect portal
Resume-building resources
Students who enrolled also took:
Early Childhood Development
1st attempt pass rate: 98%
Avg Days to Complete: 25
3 credits
Teaching Students with Exceptionalities
1st attempt pass rate: 98%
Avg Days to Complete: 30
3 credits
TRY FOR FREE
Start Your Free Preview
Explore course content, your Student Dashboard, and all the features StraighterLine offers to support your success. No credit card, no commitment — see how easy it is to use StraighterLine.
Get Started FreeStudent Reviews
4.6
I had a GREAT experience using StraighterLine
I had a GREAT experience using StraighterLine. All of my credits (78) transferred to my university, and cut my time in school in half. The classes were structured well, allowing for an accelerated or slower pace, and the platform is user-friendly. Loved my experience.
Jasmine, StraighterLine Student
Flexible and Affordable Learning for Busy Students
I've been studying with StraighterLine while juggling responsibilities at two colleges and a job, and I must say their flexibility has been a game-changer for me. The courses are designed in a way that allows me to learn at my own pace without compromising my busy schedule. The affordability aspect is also a huge plus, making higher education more accessible without the financial strain.
Meline, StraighterLine Student
Really simple and easy to use
Simple and easy to use. Thank you so much, StraighterLine, for furthering my career.
Artemis, StraighterLine Student
Getting Started is Simple
The StraighterLine Advantage
Full flexibility, no timelines or deadlines ever.
Your own support team to get you to the finish line.
Unlimited course access so you can take as many courses as you need.
Transfer guaranteed to one of our 180+ partner schools, and accepted by 3,000+ schools nationwide.
How to Enroll in Foundations in Early Childhood Education
Select your course and click “Enroll Today”.
Create your account and finalize course purchase.
Start earning affordable college credits!
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
Why is StraighterLine so affordable?
StraighterLine offers a completely online learning experience, free from the high costs of traditional colleges and universities. By cutting out the institutional overhead, we pass the savings onto you (instead of extra costs) — providing top-quality courses at a price that fits with your budget
What is included in the price?
StraighterLine membership gives you access to over 75 self-paced online courses at a fraction of the price you’d pay through your school — meaning you’ll save up to 90% per course. But that’s not all — membership also comes with valuable extras at no extra cost, including academic advising, 24/7 on-demand tutoring, and free transcript delivery to your school
What is ACE, and why does it matter for transfer credits?
StraighterLine courses are recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), a respected organization that helps colleges evaluate nontraditional learning for credit. If your school accepts ACE Credit recommendations, there’s a strong chance they’ll accept StraighterLine courses. Always check with your school’s registrar to confirm how transfer credits apply to your degree.
How do I transfer StraighterLine credit?
Transferring your StraighterLine credits is easy:
- Check with your school: If you’re enrolled at one of our 180+ partner colleges, your credits are guaranteed to transfer based on which of our courses your school has agreed to directly accept credit for. Plus, StraighterLine credits have also been accepted by over 3,000 colleges and universities, but it’s always a good idea to confirm your school’s transfer policies before enrolling in a course.
- Request your transcript: Once you complete a course with a 70% or higher, log into your StraighterLine account to request an official transcript. We’ll send it directly to your school at no extra cost.
- Apply your credit: Your school will review your transcript and apply eligibility credits toward your degree, helping you move forward on your academic journey.
Helpful Resources
SUPPORT
Need Help Enrolling?
Our Enrollment Specialists are here to help you get started.
BLOG ARTICLE
How Do StraighterLine Online Courses Work?
Find out what your online learning experience with StraighterLine will be like.
BLOG ARTICLE
Where Can You Transfer StraighterLine Credit?
An easy-to-understand guide on how to transfer StraighterLine credits.
BLOG ARTICLE
How StraighterLine Reduces Tuition Costs
See how StraighterLine has helped students save thousands on tuition.
Get the Foundations for Your Career in Education
Teaching is a career that gives stability and opportunities almost anywhere. But being a teacher goes beyond what you experience in the classroom! This course will help you understand the roles of teachers, administrators, and community members, and how schools operate. You’ll explore challenges and opportunities in education to help you decide if education is the right career path for you.
Why it matters:
- Teachers are in demand nationwide. Become an educator for a career that’s both impactful and stable.
- The median annual wage for educators was above the national average in 2024, with educators and librarians earning a median wage of $59,220.
How this course sets you up for success:
Elementary School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, High School Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Instructional Coordinator, and School Counselor
How this course sets you up for success:
You’ll learn how schools operate, the roles of educators, and the impact of resources on student success. Come way with the insights to confidently decide if a career in education is right for you.
3 Credits
SCRIPT HERE DO NOT DELETE