EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE)

Early Childhood Education
(ECE)

ECE 213 Cr. 3

Introduction to Early Childhood Education

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. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in EFN 210/C-I 211 recommended.

ECE 316/516 Cr. 2

Administration of Early Childhood Programs

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. Prerequisite: 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. Prerequisite: 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 327/527. Prerequisite: ECE 213, EFN 210/C-I 211, and PSY 212.

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. Prerequisite: ECE 213, EFN 210/C-I 211, and PSY 212. To be taken concurrently with ECE 326/526. Pass/Fail grading.

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. Prerequisite: 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. Prerequisite: 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. Prerequisite: ECE 213, 324 or 326, and admission to Teacher Education.

ECE 440/540 Cr. 3

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. Prerequisite:

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. Prerequisite: ECE 324, 326, 327, 430 and admission to Teacher Education. To be taken concurrently with ECE 400 and ECE 401.