If you are employed in a state that uses a registry to track professional development hours, you will be able to provide your registry ID (Stars, MOPID, Registry or other ECE ID#) after you have completed the quiz for the course. If you pass the quiz we will report your course completion to the state registry using the registry ID that you provide.

Explore the importance of art in early childhood education and discover how creative experiences support children’s development. In this online, self-paced course, early childhood professionals will engage with practical strategies, examples, and innovative activity ideas to create meaningful art experiences for children of all ages. Participants will learn how to encourage self-expression, extend art beyond traditional “art time,” and use a variety of materials to promote creativity, learning, and overall development. Course Length – 2.0 hours.

It helps answer the following questions:

• What are the key aspects of art in early childhood?

• What are the primary benefits to children who create art in early childhood?

• Why, for the benefit of your children, do you need to go beyond just providing a few essentials like crayons, markers and paper?

• How can I best help the children in my care express themselves through art?

• Why should art be experienced at times other than “art time”?

• What are some “out of the box” art ideas I can use with my class?

Participants who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• Identify and describe at least five developmental benefits of art experiences for young children. 2.

• Explain at least three reasons why art should be incorporated throughout the daily routine rather than limited to designated art time.

• Identify and describe at least five developmentally appropriate art materials or experiences that extend beyond basic supplies such as crayons, markers, and paper.

• Describe at least three strategies for encouraging children’s creativity and self-expression through open-ended art experiences.

• Develop a plan that includes at least three creative, age-appropriate art activities designed to promote learning and development.