Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Provides a historical and philosophical foundation within the field of early childhood education. Includes an overview of assessment and evidence-based practices. Addresses the influences of family-centered practice, inclusion, culture and language. Explores early childhood careers. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

Introduces appropriate use of technology in early childhood professional practice, including a focus on approaches for instructional use with young children. Introduces students to development of a personal eportfolio and discusses appropriate use of technology, including assistive technology, in early childhood classrooms. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Corequisite: Take ECE-103 or ECE-158.

Focuses on evidence-based concepts in the fields of health, safety and nutrition, and their relationship to the growth and development of the young child ages birth to eight. Blends current theory with problem solving, practical applications and assessments. Includes collaboration with families and assesses the role of culture, language and ability on health, safety and nutrition decisions in early childhood settings. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Comments: Successfully earning credentials in First Aid, CPR, and Mandatory Reporter Training outside of class is required.

Focuses on the development, implementation and assessment of appropriate environments and curricula for young children ages three through eight. Utilizes evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices in the context of culture, language and abilities. Emphasizes developmental stages and appropriate learning opportunities, interactions and environments to support each child in the areas of literature, dramatic play, art, music, and fine and gross motor play. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Comments: Participation in this course requires successful completion of a background check. A fee is associated with this process.

Focuses on the development, implementation and assessment of appropriate environments and curricula for young children ages three through eight. Utilizes evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices in the context of children's culture, language and abilities. Emphasizes child developmental stages and development of appropriate learning opportunities, interactions and environments to support each child in the areas of emergent literacy, math, science, technology and social studies. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

Prerequisite: Take ECE-158.

Reviews typical and atypical development of children from conception to adolescence in all developmental domains. Examines interactions between child, family and society within a variety of community and cultural contexts and how each impacts the developing child. Examines theories and evidence-based practices associated with understanding and supporting children. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

Focuses on care, education and assessment of children from birth to thirty-six months. Utilizes developmentally appropriate evidence-based practices including responsive caregiving, routines as curriculum, collaborative relationships with culturally, linguistically and ability diverse children and families, with a focus on the whole child in inclusive settings. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Comments: Participation in this course requires successful completion of a background check. A fee is associated with this process.

Prerequisite: Take ECE-170 or PSY-121.

Focuses on developmentally appropriate evidence-based approaches and positive guidance strategies for supporting the development of each child. Emphasizes supportive interactions and developmentally appropriate environments. Uses assessment to analyze and guide behaviors. Studies impact of families, and each child's culture, language and ability on child guidance. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A

Prerequisite: Take ECE-170 or PSY-121.

Offers supervised experience in selected early childhood settings serving ages birth through eight years. Includes integration of theory and developmentally appropriate evidence-based practice. Provides an understanding of working with culturally, linguistically and ability-diverse young children and families. Emphasizes professional relationships and behavior, appropriate adult/child interactions, basic curriculum planning and program routines. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Comments: Requires a minimum of 108 hours of direct work with children

Prerequisite: Minimum C in ECE-103. Minimum C in ECE-158. Minimum C in ECE-170. Minimum C in ECE-170. Minimum 2.0 grade point average in all other ECE courses required.

Addresses the function common to administering quality child care programs, planning, implementation, operating and evaluating. Aspects covered include director responsibilities; policy setting; development; staff, fiscal and facility management; parent involvement; and marketing. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Comments: Experience in child care setting, Early Childhood curriculum courses preferred

Allows a qualified honors student to pursue a special concentration of study under the guidance of an honors faculty member. Requires completion of an honors project learning contract. May be taken more than once. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Comments: Requires approval of supervising professor and dean

Allows the student to pursue a special concentration of study under the guidance of a faculty member. Requires an independent study contract. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: A; Comments: Requires approval of supervising faculty member and dean

Provides experience in a community-based setting designed to build on key competencies needed for early childhood program administration, management, and leadership. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B