Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Educational Studies Curriculum Instruction

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: sophomore standing. Offered Fall, Spring.

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. Offered Fall, Spring.

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 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. Offered Fall, Spring.

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 and PSY 212; junior standing. Offered Fall, Spring.

ECE 326         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. Prerequisites: admission to Teacher Education Program; ECE 213; PSY 212 to be taken concurrently with ECE 327.Offered Fall, Spring.

ECE 327          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: admission to Teacher Education Program; ECE 213; PSY 212; to be taken concurrently with ECE 326. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall, Spring.

ECE 380/580   Cr. 1-3
Developing Creative Activities for Young Children

This course is designed to assist pre-service 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 six. Offered Fall, Spring.

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, including special methods courses; recommendation by the appropriate education program faculty; 2.75 cumulative grade point average; 2.75 grade point average in the major, minor, concentrations and professional course work; an official Praxis II content test score report documenting passing scores on Praxis II content tests in the appropriate certification area/discipline. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading. Offered Fall, Spring.

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, including special methods courses; recommendation by the appropriate education program faculty; 2.75 cumulative grade point average; 2.75 grade point average in the major, minor, concentrations and professional course work; an official Praxis II content test score report documenting passing scores on Praxis II content tests in the appropriate certification area/discipline. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading. Offered Fall, Spring.

ECE 526          Cr. 3
Early Childhood Education: Kindergarten

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. Prerequisites: admission to a DES graduate program; ECE 213, PSY 212; to be taken concurrently with ECE 327/527.

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 pre-kindergarten through primary-age children. Prerequisites: ECE 213, 324 or 326; admission to teacher education program. Offered Fall, Spring.

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 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. Prerequisites: junior standing; admission to Teacher Education Program; ECE 213; EDS 308. Graduate: admission to a DES graduate program; ECE 213; EDS 308/508. Offered Fall, Spring.

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 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. Prerequisites: ECE 324, 326, 327, 430; admission to teacher education program. To be taken concurrently with ECE 400 and ECE 401. Offered Fall, Spring.