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The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

1. There are observable behaviours and predictable patterns typical of preschool development.
2. Although theorists often discuss development in discrete domains, behaviour must be viewed holistically given the interrelated nature of these domains.
3. Preschool development including the development of language and literacy should be examined within the context of the child’s heredity and environment.
4. Preschool behaviour is often socially mediated.
5. Learning often leads development.
6. Play based learning environments for young children provide the opportunity to integrate emerging skills and actively engage with materials and other children.
7. Play based learning environments can be modified by adults to draw out a variety of experiences for young children.
8. Within the population of preschool children, unique individual differences will alter both the onset and mastery of developmental milestones.
9. For a small percentage of preschool children atypical individual differences will be present from birth. This necessitates individual program planning and the provision of support to the child and family.
10. Gender is both biologically and culturally mediated.