Credit Hours: 3, Contact Hours: 3

Division: Social Science

This course familiarizes students with the history and present state of early childhood education, from birth to 10 years of age. Each age group (infant/toddler, preschooler and school-age) receives a minimum of 10 classroom hours of focused study related to the course content. An overview of child development theories is presented in the context of the role of the educator/caregiver. Resources and careers, and contemporary issues such as school readiness and exploration of various education philosophies are also included. Early Education environment observations and a personal philosophy of education project are required. The observations are set by students to meet their schedules. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours: 5, Contact Hours: 5

Division: Social Science

This course focuses on the issues related to child development and learning. It examines the reasons for child study and its influence on families and education. The interactions between education/learning and all the developmental domains will be studied from conception up to adolescence. Each age group (infant/toddler, preschooler and school-age) receives a minimum of 20 classroom hours of focused study related to the course content. Students will become familiar with the most recent research, and design their own field observation and projects that support and test current theories of development. In addition, students will explore how professional work with children is changing and how they can become advocates for the well-being of children and families in their community, nation and the world. Group 2 course. Critical Thinking - Direct.

Credit Hours: 4, Contact Hours: 4

Division: Social Science

This course examines the preparation of a positive learning environment. The development and use of positive guidance strategies with children birth through 10 years of age is explored. There is a special emphasis on the development of techniques in personal interactions with children. Current concepts and approaches that directly relate to the mental health of the child and his/her family are explored. Anger management and conflict resolution skills are especially emphasized through the building of positive environments. This course includes 15 observation hours of experiential learning in an early care and education setting for preschoolers. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours: 4, Contact Hours: 4

Division: Social Science

An active learning approach is used to develop student's skills in planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children ages 1 year to 10 years. Various curriculum areas are covered: science, pre-math, math, drama and music, creative art, sensory, gross and fine motor, social studies and language arts. Basic skills and concepts, resource materials and teaching methods (developmental) are explored for each curriculum area. There is a strong emphasis on individualizing curriculum using the child's interests, modality of learning and intelligence theories. This course includes 15 observation hours of experiential learning in an early care and education setting for Infant/toddlers and preschoolers. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours: 4, Contact Hours: 4

Division: Social Science

This course provides an in-depth study of the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development and learning of the infant and toddler. There will be a focus on attachment and bonding and how that relates to brain development and later social and academic development. Students will develop skills to build a respectful and responsive curriculum and learning environment. They will learn how to use best practice methods with infants and toddlers and their families. This course includes 15 observation hours of experiential learning in an early care and education setting for infants or toddlers. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours: 3, Contact Hours: 3

Division: Social Science

This course focuses on the use of a variety of observation tools and methods, screening surveys, and assessment systems. Students will hone their skills at observing and recording children’s development, and using that information for planning play experiences to promote children’s development. Collaboration with families and professionals is explored. This course requires 15 hours of observation of young children. (Two hours/week in class and one hour/week observation.) Group 2 course. Critical Thinking - Direct, Degree Req:Cultural Persp/Div.

Credit Hours: 3, Contact Hours: 3

Division: Social Science

This course provides information and experiences to gain knowledge in program administration for establishing policies, implementing and evaluating programs, assessing, recording and reporting children's progress, scheduling activities, promoting good support systems between home and school. In addition, focus will be aimed at understanding administrative organization, leading and managing personnel, financing and budgeting and contributing to the profession. Course instruction is based on the quality principles/standards required by Child Development Associate Credential and the National Association of the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC). Group 2 course. Critical Thinking - Direct.

Credit Hours: 3, Contact Hours: 3

Division: Social Science

This course is designed to teach students how to recognize and implement appropriate environmental strategies that support early literacy development and appropriate early experiences with books and writing for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Each age group receives a minimum of 15 classroom hours of focused study related to the course content. Emphasis is placed on speaking and listening, as well as reading and writing readiness. This group of skills includes expressive and receptive language, concepts of print and appreciation of literature, emergent writing, letter knowledge, and phonological awareness. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to select, plan, implement, and evaluate appropriate early literacy experiences. Group 2 course. Critical Thinking - Direct.

Credit Hours: 3, Contact Hours: 3

Division: Social Science

The integration of the arts in early education will be explored and implemented for children birth to 10 years of age. Each age group (infant/toddler, preschooler and school-age) receives a minimum of 10 classroom hours of focused study related to the course content. There will be a focus on the integration of studio art, music, dance and drama in early childhood curriculum planning, practice and implementation. Observation and practicum hours in an early care setting will be required. Group 2 course. Critical Thinking - Direct.

Credit Hours: 3, Contact Hours: 3

Division: Social Science

This course examines partnerships between parents, communities and educators working with children ages birth through eight years old. Topics include understanding families’ uniqueness and diversity, promoting parents as a child’s first and most important teacher, effective communication between educators and family members, identifying family protective factors, and community resources. Advocating for children, families, and the early childhood community is explored. The unique area of home visiting in the field of early childhood is examined. Group 2 course. Critical Thinking - Direct, Degree Req:Cultural Persp/Div.

Credit Hours: 2, Contact Hours: 2

Division: Social Science

Practicum placement in a daycare, nursery school, family daycare or other agencies serving infants/toddlers/preschoolers. The student will have the opportunity to interact with young children and assist adults with planning for curriculum or program activities under direct supervision. Two contact hours are equivalent to 64 practicum hours. This practicum can be split between hours with infants, toddlers and preschoolers with a minimum of 1 contact hour (32 practicum hours) caring for children birth-3 years in a center based and/or licensed family home daycare setting. This course is recommended to be taken when students are also taking ECE 206 Infant Toddler Care & Curriculum. Group 2 course. Degree Req:Cultural Persp/Div.

Credit Hours: 2, Contact Hours: 2

Division: Social Science

Practicum placement in a daycare, nursery school, early elementary grades in grade school or other agencies that deal with children and/or families. The student will have the opportunity to interact with individuals and assist with planning for curriculum or program activities under direct supervision. Two contact hours is equivalent to 64 practicum hours in an early education and/or family/child setting. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours: 4, Contact Hours: 4

Division: Social Science

Practicum placement in a daycare, nursery school, early elementary grades in grade school or other agencies that deal with students, children and/or families. The student will have the opportunity to interact with individuals and assist with planning for curriculum or program activities under direct supervision. Four contact hours are equivalent to 128 practicum hours in an early education and/or family/child setting. This practicum can split hours with infants, toddlers, preschooler and early elementary with a minimum of 1 contact hour (32 practicum hours) caring for children birth-3 years. Group 2 course.