EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE)
Course Descriptions
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
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 - three age
group, the implications of health 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
The 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. Prerequisite: Admission
to a DES graduate program; ECE 213, PSY 212; to be taken
concurrently with ECE 327/527.
ECE 327/527 Cr. 1
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: Admission
to a DES graduate program; ECE 213, PSY 212; to be taken
concurrently with ECE 326/526; Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall,
Spring.
ECE 430/530 Cr. 3
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, 324/524 or 326/526, and
admission to teacher education.
ECE 440/540 Cr. 3
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 childcare 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: Admission to DES graduate program; ECE
213; EDS 508. Offered Fall, Spring.
ECE 380/580 Cr. 1-3
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 490/590 Cr. 2
A seminar course for students completing the early childhood
education minor. This course focuses on the teacher as decision
maker 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. To be taken
concurrently with ECE 400 and 401. Prerequisite: ECE 324/524,
326/526, 327/527, 430/530, and admission to teacher education.