Program Overview

The Conceptual Framework of the Child Development and Early Education at Lansing Community College is a living document that:

• Identifies the program's mission and core values 
• Guides the program’s purpose and governing principles
• Highlights the program’s unique characteristics within the context of our community 
• Directs faculty in decision making
• Serves as a foundation for the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of courses and curriculum
• Provides inspiration to students, faculty, and the community

The Conceptual Framework is aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. In creating the Conceptual Framework, the Child Development and Early Education faculty referenced the following NAEYC Position Statements: 

• Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs, Fourth Edition 
• Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education 
• Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment 

The Child Development and Early Education Associate in Applied Arts Degree at Lansing Community College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The accreditation term runs from 03/2018 to 03/2025.

Lansing Community College Mission

Lansing Community College provides high-quality education ensuring that all students successfully complete their educational goals while developing life skills necessary for them to enrich and support themselves, their families, and their community as engaged global citizens.

Child Development and Early Education Mission

The Child Development and Early Education program prepares students for work in the field of early childhood education through curriculum and programming that reflect the following core values:

• Belonging
• Developmentally Appropriate Practice
• Equity
• Experience
• Professionalism

When creating a graphic image of the Conceptual Framework, The Child Development and Early Education faculty found inspiration in the LCC institutional logo and nickname, LCC Stars.  

Each of the Core Values of the Conceptual Framework are a point of the large blue star:

1. Belonging
2. Developmentally Appropriate Practice
3. Equity
4. Experience
5. Professionalism

The four smaller stars, along with the arc of stars at the top of the image, illustrates how the LCC Child Development and Early Education Conceptual Framework is built upon and informed by the following NAEYC documents: .

• NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators 
• NAEYC Position Statement on Developmentally Appropriate Practice
• Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education
• Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment

Belonging

Students and Faculty will:

• Build responsive, reciprocal, and respectful relationships 
• Create respectful and inclusive learning environments
• Recognize the funds of knowledge of children, families, students, faculty, and communities
• Apply a strength-based approach that supports inclusion 
• Collaborate and engage with families, colleagues, and the community to support learning and development

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Students and Faculty will:

• Use the Three Core Considerations of DAP to make evidence-based decisions
  • Commonality: Understand the developmental period of early childhood from birth through age 8 
  • Individuality: Recognize and value the unique characteristics of each individual 
  • Context: Understand that development and learning occur in multiple contexts
• Champion children’s learning through play
• Incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• Use intentional teaching practice to create learning environments 
• Adopt a holistic view of development and learning
• Create environments for optimal development and learning 

Equity

Students and Faculty will:

• Participate in ongoing professional learning and reflection to examine their own values, beliefs, and biases
• Recognize the power and benefits of diversity and inclusivity
• Use culturally and linguistically relevant anti-bias teaching strategies

• Model respect for equity, diversity, and inclusivity
• Challenge bias, microaggressions, structural inequities, and oppression

Experience

Students and Faculty will:

• Engage in observation and field experience in a variety of early childhood settings and with a variety of age groups
• Connect classroom teaching and learning with practical application 
• Participate in open-ended learning, discovery, and play
• Reflect on teaching practice through coaching and mentoring

Professionalism

Students and Faculty will:

• Engage in continuous, collaborative life-long learning to inform practice
• Practice intentional reflection, assessment, and goal-setting 
• Know about and uphold ethical and other early childhood professional guidelines
• Advocate for the profession, students, children, and families
• Use effective, respectful, and responsive communication strategies 
• Identify as a professional member of the early childhood field

2007-2008: The first version of the Child Development and Early Education conceptual framework was drafted through collaboration of full-time and part time faculty, field instructors, and community stakeholders.

2016: A visual graphic and video highlighting the conceptual framework was created to increase awareness, understanding, and visibility.

2022: Full time and part time faculty, field instructors, students, and community stakeholders reviewed the conceptual framework, and updated it to better represent the Child Development and Early Education program and reflect the NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies, Developmentally Appropriate Practice, the NAEYC Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement, and changes in the field of early childhood education.

2023: A final draft of the conceptual framework was adopted by the Child Development and Early Education program.