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Early Childhood Education
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Early Childhood Education
Overview
That period in the human lifespan ranging from birth to age 8 is commonly referred to as "early childhood." Hence, the broad field of early childhood education (ECE) (or, "early care and education") encompasses a variety of programs and practices intended to address children's learning, as well as their care and nurturance. This inextricable, dual focus on children's education and holistic development represents a distinguishing characteristic of the field's theory and practice. By adhering to a "Whole Child" perspective, teachers and caregivers working with young children (and their families) intentionally address the following key domains of children's education, growth, and development:
- Physical-Daily nutrition and basic needs such as clothing, hygiene, monitoring of growth patterns; and development of gross and fine motor skills.
- Cognitive-Abilities related to cognitive functions including, for example, perception, communication,