AEPA Early Childhood Education study plan
AEPA Early Childhood Education · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Child Development and Learning
Define and classify the major developmental domains (physical, cognitive, language, social-emotional) with one example of each in an early childhood setting
Sequence the principal theories of child development (Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, Bronfenbrenner) and state the core claim of each in one sentence
Identify typical milestones for ages 3-8 across at least three developmental domains
Explain how nature and nurture interact in development using two concrete examples
Your checkpoint
A one-page developmental milestone chart for ages 3-8 covering at least three domains, with theory name and core claim noted for each theorist
Child Development and Learning
Differentiate typical from atypical development using at least four indicators
Describe how individual differences (temperament, culture, language background, disability) influence learning
Summarize the principles of developmentally appropriate practice and apply them to two hypothetical classroom scenarios
Explain the role of play, attachment, and social interaction in early learning
Your checkpoint
Two written scenario analyses (a typical and an atypical developmental case) each citing at least two developmental principles
Child Development and Learning & Curriculum and Instruction
Compare major early childhood curriculum approaches (e.g., project-based, Montessori-inspired, play-based) on goals and structure
Map developmental domains to appropriate instructional strategies for each
Design one integrated learning activity that addresses at least two domains simultaneously
Identify how classroom environment and routines support development and learning
Your checkpoint
A lesson plan for one integrated activity with stated objectives, materials, developmental domains addressed, and differentiation notes
Curriculum and Instruction
Design learning experiences aligned to early learning standards in literacy, math, science, and social studies
Apply scaffolding and questioning techniques matched to children's developmental levels
Plan differentiation for English learners, children with disabilities, and advanced learners
Describe strategies for building early literacy and numeracy foundations through play and routines
Your checkpoint
A unit outline of 3-5 connected activities across content areas, each with standard alignment, scaffolding, and differentiation notes
Curriculum and Instruction & Assessment and Evaluation
Select appropriate informal and formal assessment methods for young children
Explain the purposes of screening, diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment
Connect assessment results to instructional planning decisions
Describe how to observe and document children's learning objectively
Your checkpoint
An assessment plan for one learning unit listing at least three methods, their purpose, and how results will inform instruction
Assessment and Evaluation
Interpret assessment data to identify learning gaps and strengths
Explain reliability, validity, and bias considerations in early childhood assessment
Describe legal and ethical requirements for assessment, referral, and confidentiality
Plan communication of assessment results to families in accessible language
Your checkpoint
A written sample score interpretation with two instructional recommendations and a family-friendly summary paragraph
Professionalism and Family/Community Relationships
Identify professional standards, ethical codes, and legal responsibilities for early childhood educators
Describe strategies for building reciprocal family and community partnerships
Explain the referral process for early intervention and special education services
Outline ways to collaborate with colleagues and community agencies
Your checkpoint
A family engagement plan for one month including two communication methods, one partnership activity, and one referral pathway summary
Child Development and Learning & Curriculum and Instruction & Assessment and Evaluation & Professionalism and Family/Community Relationships
Synthesize content across all four domains into an integrated review outline
Complete timed practice sets across all domains and analyze error patterns by domain
Review weak areas identified in practice results
Apply test-taking strategies to scenario-based questions
Your checkpoint
A completed practice exam with a written error-analysis table identifying at least three weak areas and a targeted review plan for each
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made 20-question developmental milestones and theory quiz
Week 4: Produce a standards-aligned unit outline reviewed against a checklist of objectives, scaffolding, and differentiation
Week 6: Correctly interpret two sample assessment data sets and justify instructional decisions in writing
Week 8: Complete a full-length timed practice exam and document an error-analysis table with three targeted review areas