Early Childhood Education

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

ECE 101R : Foundations of Early Childhood Education

An overview of the historical and philosophical roots of the early childhood education profession, this course includes a survey of models of early care and education as well as the range and diversity of early childhood programs. Current issues and trends along with challenges and opportunities within the field are highlighted. The multi-faceted role of the early childhood educator will be emphasized.

Credits

3

ECE 102R : Child Growth and Development

This course examines the growth and development of young children, birth through age 8 years. Sequences of development within the following major domains are studied: physical & motor, social & emotional, cognitive, and language & literacy development. In addition, individual differences and multiple, interacting influences on children’s growth and development are considered.

Credits

3

ECE 103R : Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child

An in-depth look at the inter-relationship between health, safety and nutrition issues in early childhood educational settings, this course explores the knowledge and skills early childhood educators need in order to promote the well-being of young children, birth through age 8 years. Topics covered include health promotion, educational experiences, communicable illnesses, safety management, and meals and food safety.

Credits

3

ECE 104R : Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education

This course will be an exploration into the process of early childhood planning, with special emphasis on the role of environment, curriculum theories, approaches, and trends, and ongoing observation and documentation. Attention is paid to selecting and developing suitable materials, along with developmentally appropriate practices. The cycle of planning, implementing, and evaluating learning experiences is examined and practiced. This course will enhance the student’s ability to work creatively in all curriculum areas.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 101R
ECE 102R

ECE 105R : Children with Special Needs and Their Families

This course will examine the child with a special need in the family context and in an inclusionary childcare setting. It will provide an overview of the most common exceptionalities and the standard interventions related to them. Emphasis will be on observation, screening, assessment, family-centered early supports and services, natural environments, individualized education plans, inclusive education, community resources, and family issues.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 102R

ECE 120R : Learning, Behavior & Positive Guidance

This course introduces students to a positive approach to guidance. Utilizing developmental and learning theories and applying them to the care and education of young children is explored. Major topics include strategies and interventions, the role of observation, and team approaches.

Credits

3

ECE 190R : Early Childhood Practicum I

This course provides the student with direct, experiential learning in an early childhood care and education setting. Under the supervision of a cooperating teacher, the student will be actively involved in all aspects of the early childhood environment. Emphasis will be placed on the student’s interactions with children. In addition, students will begin to develop their interactions with colleagues and with families. A minimum of 90 hours will be completed at the practicum site. Periodic meetings with the practicum instructor and other practicum students will provide opportunity for discussion of and reflection upon the practicum experience.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 101R, ECE 102R, ECE 103R, ECE 104R, or Permission of Program Director

ECE 191R : Early Childhood Work Experience Practicum I

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the student who is currently employed full-time in the early childhood field to receive college credit for their experience. The student must be currently employed in either a licensed or licensed exempt program. Working with an onsite mentor and the practicum instructor, the student will focus on enhancing their role as a professional at the work site. Emphasis will be placed on active involvement in all aspects of the early childhood environment and interactions with children, colleagues, and families. Periodic meetings with the practicum instructor and other practicum students will provide opportunity for discussion of and reflection upon the practicum experience.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 101R, ECE 102R, ECE 103R, ECE 104R or Permission of Program Director

ECE 200R : Developmentally Appropriate Programs for Infants and Toddlers

This course is an in-depth study of quality infant/toddler care and education. Principles related to environments, caregiving practices, curriculum, and programmatic issues are explored. In addition, the growth and development of infants and toddlers, birth to age three, is examined. Special emphasis on relationships is woven throughout the course.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 102R

ECE 201R : Organization and Management in Early Childhood Education

This course is a survey of organization and management of early childhood programs. Emphasis will be on learning how to plan, organize, manage, and evaluate programs and facilities serving young children and their families. In addition to exploring the multi-faceted role of the early childhood administrator, the course will also examine standards of quality, record keeping, funding, regulations, staffing, and family and community involvement.

Credits

3

ECE 203R : Early Language & Literacy Development

This course examines the early language and literacy development of young children, birth through age 8. Students will explore the environments and experiences that support and foster young children’s abilities to listen, speak, read, and write. Special emphasis will be given to the multiple roles and responsibilities of an effective early childhood educator.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 102R or Permission of Program Director.

ECE 204R : Status of Childhood in America

What is the status of childhood in America today and how has childhood changed over time? Using knowledge from multiple disciplines, this course will examine the context of and significant factors influencing young children and their families. Major topics explored will include the media, technology, issues related to gender and equity, changes in children’s play, and public policy. Students will examine what research reveals about optimal child outcomes and will identify specific strategies early childhood professionals can use to advocate for and to support positive child development and healthy family functioning.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 101R
ECE 102R

ECE 206R : Developmentally Appropriate Programs for School Age Children

The role and responsibilities of early childhood educators and child care providers in creating developmentally appropriate experiences for school-age children will be addressed. Discussion will include an integrated approach to language, reading, math and science and the arts for the primary classroom and activities such as clubs, projects, hobbies, music games and other themes suitable for after-school care programs. The importance of communication in building partnerships between home, school and community will be emphasized.

Credits

3

ECE 207R : Family & Community Relationships in Early Childhood Education

Why are family and community relationships a key aspect of best practice in early childhood education? Utilizing varied perspectives and research, this course will examine how children’s development is affected by those around them. Major topics explored will include developmental issues, family stressors, and cultural considerations. Students will examine exemplary models and will identify and practice utilizing specific strategies that can build family and community relationships.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 101R or ECE 102R or Permission of Instructor

ECE 208R : Introduction to Infant Mental Health

This course is an introduction to infant mental health. Students will study how children, aged birth to 3 years, develop socially and emotionally. The importance of how this area impacts other developmental domains and early relationships will be explored. The historical foundation and current research and practice of the field will be examined. The role of the early childhood professional as a provider of promotion services will be emphasized. ()

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 102R or Permission of Program Director. (or corequisite)

ECE 209R : Trauma-Informed Early Childhood Services

This course is an introduction to trauma and explores its impact on children, birth through age 5 years, and their families.  Topics include child development, family systems, and community services.  Strategies that professionals working in early care and education settings can use to support children who have experienced trauma are emphasized.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 102R

ECE 220R : Early Childhood Practicum Seminar

This course together with either Practicum II or Work Experience Practicum II forms the associate degree student’s capstone experience. The student will synthesize their understanding of early childhood education and develop a personal philosophy of teaching. In addition, the student will engage in collaborative and collegial exchanges with other seminar participants. Finally, the student will complete a degree portfolio.

Credits

2

Prerequisites

ECE 190R or ECE 191R Work Experience Practicum I; ECE 290R or ECE 291R Work Experience Practicum II (or corequisite)

ECE 290R : Early Childhood Practicum II

The student will increase their involvement in an early childhood care and education setting under the supervision of a cooperating teacher. Emphasis will be placed on planning, implementing, and evaluating a developmentally appropriate curriculum. In addition, students will develop and refine their interactions with children, colleagues, and families. A minimum of 135 hours will be completed at the practicum site.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 190R or ECE 191R Work Experience Practicum I minimum grade of C

Corequisites

ECE 190R or ECE 191R Work Experience Practicum I minimum grade of C

ECE 291R : Early Childhood Work Experience Practicum II

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the student who is currently employed full-time in the early childhood field to receive college credit for their experience. The student must be currently employed in either a licensed or licensed exempt program. Working with an onsite mentor and the practicum instructor, the student will focus on enhancing their role as a professional at the work site. Emphasis will be placed on planning, implementing, and evaluating a developmentally appropriate curriculum. In addition, the student will develop and refine their interactions with children, colleagues, and families.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

ECE 190R or Work Experience Practicum I (ECE 191R) minimum grade of C; ECE 220R (or corequisite)