EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE)
ECE 213 Cr.
3
An
introduction to the early childhood education profession and programs that
provide care and education for young children (birth through age eight) and
their families. The course will examine historical and theoretical influences
on early childhood programs, the roles and responsibilities of early childhood
professionals, and the effects of early childhood education on children's
development and learning. An overview of developmentally appropriate practice
will focus on the teacher as decision maker, multiple sources of knowledge that
inform practice, designing positive learning environments, and collaborative
relationships with families and colleagues. Course includes a field experience
with young children in early childhood programs. Prerequisites: Concurrent
enrollment in EFN 210/C-I 211 recommended.
ECE 316/516 Cr.
2
This
course emphasizes the study of the administration and organization of early
childhood programs including: program and staff development, supervision and
evaluation of program and staff, financial management of a program,
accreditation and licensing regulations, advisory groups, community agencies,
and the use of community resources. Prerequisite: ECE 213.
ECE 322/522 Cr.
2
Early
Childhood Education: Infancy and Toddlerhood
An
overview of programs serving children from birth to three years of age. The
course will include the study of developmentally appropriate practices for the
birth - 3 age group, the implication of heath and wellness issues for this age
group and a review of quality programs which serve this age group. Current
issues related to the care and education of infants and toddlers will also be
examined. Observations of and participation with children from birth to age
three will be a part of this course. Prerequisites: PSY 212, ECE 213 or
concurrent enrollment.
ECE 324/524 Cr.
3
Early
Childhood Education: Preschool
An
overview of preschool programs serving children from two through five years of
age, including the study of developmentally appropriate practices and
integrated curriculum development. The course will also focus on adapting
instructional materials and planning appropriate experiences for young children
with disabilities. The affective nature of young learners will be examined and
used as a foundation for anti-bias curriculum. Instructional activities will be
planned and implemented with preschool children. Prerequisites: ECE 213, PSY
212.
ECE 326/526 Cr.
3
Early
Childhood Education: Kindergarten
A
study of curriculum content, instructional strategies and materials in
kindergarten programs. The focus is on developmentally appropriate curriculum
which integrates social studies, science, literacy, mathematics and the arts.
Issues in kindergarten education will be examined. To be taken concurrently
with ECE 327. Prerequisites:ECE 213, PSY 212, and admission to Teacher
Education.
ECE 327/527 Cr.
1
Field
Experience: Kindergarten
A
field experience involving observation, participation, and instruction in kindergarten
settings. Students become acquainted with curriculum content, instructional
strategies and classroom management techniques currently used in kindergarten
classrooms. Prerequisites: ECE 213, PSY 212, and admission to Teacher
Education. To be taken concurrently with ECE 326. Pass/Fail grading.
Guidance
of Young Children: Parent-Teacher Partnerships
A
seminar course for students completing the early childhood education minor and
for early childhood practitioners. The course explores effective strategies for
developing and utilizing parent-teacher partnerships in guiding young
children’s growth and development, with attention to the effects of child,
family and teacher characteristics and interactions on effective guidance
practices. To be taken concurrently with C-I 400 and 401. Prerequisites: ECE
310, 324, 326, 375, and admission to teacher education.
ECE 375/575 Cr.
3
Creative
Experiences for Young Children: Art, Dramatic Play, Music
An
investigation of the use of art, dramatic play and music to promote creative
development of prekindergarten and kindergarten children. Prerequisites:
admission to teacher education, ECE 324 or ECE 310 and 326.
ECE 380/580 Cr.
1-3
Developing
Creative Activities for Young Children
This
course is designed to assist preservice and in service teachers in the
development of creative thinking challenges and activities for use with
children in prekindergarten through third grade. Theories of creativity and
multiple intelligences will be examined and used as the foundation for lesson
designs. Prerequisite: PSY 370 or teaching experience. Repeatable for credit —
maximum 6.
ECE 400 Cr.
2-4
Student
Teaching: Early Childhood
Under
the direction of a university supervisor and in cooperation with an approved
teacher, the student will engage in a half-time professional experience in a
selected early childhood setting for eight weeks. Prerequisites: completion of
requirements in education, recommendation by approved education faculty, 2.75
GPA (cumulative, major, minor), and approval of the Teacher Education Council.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading.
ECE 401 Cr.
4-8
Student
Teaching: Kindergarten
Under
the direction of a university supervisor and in cooperation with an approved
teacher, the student will engage in a full-time professional experience in a
selected kindergarten classroom for eight weeks. Prerequisites: completion of
requirements in education, recommendation by approved education faculty, 2.75
GPA (cumulative, major, minor), and approval of the Teacher Education Council.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading.
ECE 430/530 Cr.
3
Creative
Experiences for Children: Art, Music, Drama
This
course is designed to develop a philosophy of education which places emphasis
on creativity and on the integration of art, music and drama experiences into
the curriculum. Students will explore the classroom teacher's role in
supporting the development of creativity through arts integration. Students
will plan and implement art, music and drama activities appropriate for use
with prekindergarten through primary-age children. Prerequisites: ECE 213, 324
or 326, and admission to Teacher Education.
Language
and Literacy Development of Young Children
An
examination of language and literacy development of young children from birth
through kindergarten. Topics of study are the development of listening
comprehension, oral language, awareness of print, spelling and writing, and
early reading. Supporting families as children's first teachers, appropriate
experiences at home and in child care settings, and family literacy programs
will be studied. This course will develop the ability to plan and implement a
comprehensive literacy program and to develop and adapt appropriate experiences
for young children. Prerequisites: ECE 213, RDG 324, and admission to Teacher
Education.
ECE 490/590 Cr.
2
Seminar:
Relationships with Children, Families and Professionals
A
seminar course for students completing the early childhood education minor.
This course focuses on the teacher as decisionmaker and the use of multiple
sources of knowledge in professional practice; knowledge of child development
and learning, knowledge of individual children, and knowledge of social and
cultural contexts. Course topics include reciprocal relationships with families
and professionals, individual variations in development and learning,
observation and assessment strategies, theories and approaches to guidance, and
promoting family and community involvement. Prerequisites: ECE 324, 326, 327,
430 and admission to Teacher Education. To be taken concurrently with ECE 400
and ECE 401.