Early Childhood Education

ECE 111

Foundations of Early Childhood Education - 3 Credits

This course provides an overview of theoretical models that have a significant influence on the development of various early childhood curricula. A historical perspective of early childhood education is provided, leading up to and including present-day practices. Students will learn to apply theory to practice within the classroom setting for children ages’ birth through eight years, including children with exceptionalities.

 

ECE 113

Infant-Toddler Care and Assessment - 3 Credits

This course studies children’s developmental stages from birth through age two. Principles of curriculum design and implementation for this age group are examined in concordance with theories of infant-toddler learning and development.

Prerequisite: ECE111

 

ECE 115

Movement and Music - 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the foundations of music and movement as it is used in the early childhood classroom. Students learn basic concepts of music theory and movement theory within the context of child development and curriculum planning.

Prerequisite: ECE111

 

ECE 199

Practicum I - 3 Credits

This course provides students with practical experiences in an early childhood education setting. Students are required to spend 15 hours per semester in seminar sessions and to assist in a early care and education facility for 100 hours. Students must demonstrate competency in providing a safe, healthy, learning environment that enables young children to develop physical, cognitive, and communication skills.

Prerequisite: ECE111 or Permission of ECE Director.

You must speak with your academic advisor as well as the Career Services Office before registering. Click here for more information.

 

ECE 201

Creative Activities - 3 Credits

This course covers the development of young children’s art. Developmentally appropriate means of facilitating creative abilities for diverse groups through painting, drawing, clay, collage, and construction are examined.

Studio fee required. Prerequisite: ECE111 or Permission of ECE Director.

 

ECE 203

Children’s Literature and Language Arts - 3 Credits

This course is designed to acquaint students with an integrated approach to children’s literature and language arts. Folk and multicultural literature and contemporary issues in children’s literature will be examined. Students are provided with the opportunity to observe and apply essential knowledge in an early childhood setting, explore the use of technology in education settings, and plan literature based units.

Prerequisite: ECE111

 

ECE 208

Teaching the Exceptional Child - 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the characteristics of exceptionalities in children. The course focuses upon

appropriate teaching techniques for children with exceptionalities.

Prerequisite: ECE111 or Permission of ECE Director.

 

 

ECE 230

Environment for Play - 3 Credits

This course exposes students to an evaluation of play from a historical perspective, and stresses the importance of play in the development of children and its role in the early childhood curriculum. The effect of play on the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of the child is discussed.

Prerequisite: ECE111

 

ECE 250

Math and Science in the Early Childhood Classroom - 2 Credits

This course introduces students to curriculum strategies to be used with young children to promote their mathematical and scientific abilities. Attention is given to the developmental needs of children as well as the developmental appropriateness of the lessons.

Prerequisite: ECE111

 

ECE 252

Social Studies in the Early Childhood Classroom - 2 Credits

This course introduces prospective teachers of young children to a variety of themes and strategies that promote social awareness, pro-social behavior, and interpersonal skills for young children. This course will encourage students to examine the ways in which the classroom environment and the world outside the classroom affect learning. Concepts in ethnicity, family and community life, and diversity are explored. Curriculum planning for young children with a wide variety of needs and abilities will be addressed.

Prerequisite: ECE111

 

ECE 254

Health, Safety and Nutrition - 2 Credits

This course explores the issues of health, safety, and nutrition in relation to the normal growth and development of young children. Emphasis is placed on recognition and measurement of normal growth patterns, principles of

good nutrition, hygiene, health maintenance and illness prevention, and the importance of physical activity. Safety practices as they apply to early childhood settings are also studied, including playground safety, poisons, fire safety, and violence prevention. Understanding cultural issues and special needs of individual children are addressed as aspects of health and safety.

Prerequisite: ECE111 or Permission of ECE Director.

 

ECE 298

Practicum II - 3 Credits

This course is a continuation of ECE 199 and provides students with practical experiences in early childhood education. Students spend 15 hours per semester in seminars and assist in their professional area for 100 hours. Students must demonstrate mastery of the core competency areas of creative development, self, social, guidance, families, and professionalism, when planning activities for young children.

Prerequisite: ECE199 or Permission of ECE Director .

You must speak with your academic advisor as well as the Career Services Office before registering. Click here for more information.

 

ECE 299

Practicum III - 3 Credits

This course is designed to provide students with practical experiences in early childhood education. Students spend 15 hours per semester in seminars and assist in their professional area for 100 hours. Students must demonstrate competencies in planning activities to promote young children’s cognitive, creative, language, and social development.

Prerequisite: ECE111, 9 credits in ECE, Permission of ECE Director.

You must speak with your academic advisor as well as the Career Services Office before registering. Click here for more information.

 

ECE 307

Administration of Child Care Programs - 3 Credits

This course examines the role of the childcare administrator with respect to management duties, which include financial planning, state regulations, curriculum and staff development, nutritional responsibilities, and parent and community relations.

Prerequisite: ECE111, 9 credits in ECE or Permission of ECE Director.