Agrilife Extension Resources

As a program leader, recognize the significance of personal interactions and communication with staff, parents, and children as a critical piece for the success of an early childhood program. Examine the need for communication and collaboration with staff and families to build policies and procedures within the workplace.

During play, children escape the constraints of reality where the usual meanings of objects can be ignored and new meanings substituted. Explore the definitions and theories important to the concept of play, appropriate play materials and how to support learning and play in early childhood classrooms.

Stress and trauma can have devastating consequences on children, especially if it is for a prolonged period of time. Recognizing stress and trauma is important so adults can provide children with the support they need. Brain research, types and causes of stress and trauma and the importance of relationships are explored.

In this course, early childhood educators (ECE) will be provided an overview of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Hyperactive Disorders as they occur in the context of early childhood. ECEs will also be provided with strategies for engaging with and managing behavior of the individual child.

In this course, Early Childhood Educators (ECE) will be provided an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as they occur in the context of early childhood. ECEs will also be provided with strategies for managing the classroom and behavior of the individual child.

Creating healthy habits is a critical element of quality early childhood programs. This course reviews practices that promote outdoor play and learning. It is aligned with Texas Healthy Building Blocks recognition criteria and was developed with support from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Creating healthy habits is a critical element of quality early childhood programs. This course introduces the Texas Healthy Building Blocks recognition program and was developed with support from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Effective administrators help teachers in their programs set up environments that are appropriate for children’s developmental needs. They facilitate the planning and implementing of curriculum and daily activities. They collaborate with families and staff based on a sound model of planning, assessment, and modification.

It has often been stated, “A Director’s job is never done!” Gain the basic tools of addressing foundational issues of program leadership. Take a closer look into issues such as hiring.