Advocacy for Early Childhood Students

In this course, you have been exposed to many early childhood theories and theoretical frameworks for explaining child development. This assignment will give you the opportunity to apply that knowledge within the context of a real-world childhood trend or issue.
Research a current trend or issue related to a child development theory. Some example issues include, but are not limited to:
Behaviorism
Behavior rewards/systems in the classroom
Montessori approach
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Erickson’s eight developmental stages
Vygotsky sociocultural theory
Review current literature on the child development theory you selected and consider its effect on learning environments related to early childhood students.
Assume the role of an early childhood teacher and write a letter of 500-750 words to your school administrator.
In the letter, take a position on the theory you selected. Your perspective should promote professional practice in early childhood education by advocating for or against the theory for early childhood students.
Include the following in your letter:
Description and analysis of the theory, and how it is related to early childhood education
Your position advocating for or against the selected child development theory promoting professional practice in early childhood education
Evidence-based research that supports your position
How your position upholds ethical standards, professional standards of practice, and/or relevant laws and policies in order to carry out this work within the public arena with compassion, justice and concern for the common good.
Cite 4-5 scholarly sources that support your research.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite Technical Support Articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Benchmark Information
This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:
BS In Early Childhood Education
5.2: Model the expectations of the profession by upholding ethical standards, professional standards of practice, and relevant laws and policies. [NAEYC 6b; InTASC 9(f), 9(i), 9(o); MC3, MC5; ISTE-T 4a]
5.3: Integrate relevant, research-based perspectives on early childhood to promote professional practice. [NAEYC 6d; InTASC 9(n), 10(h), 10(t); ISTE 5b, 5c; MC1]
5.4: Engage in informed advocacy to optimize the learning opportunities for young children, strengthen the learning environment, and advance the early childhood profession. [NAEYC 6e; InTASC 10(j), 10(k), 10(l), 10(m), 10(o), 10(p), 10(s); MC 4]