Certificate in Early Childhood Education

CHS111

Foundations of Early Childhood Education - 3 Credits

This course provides an overview of the 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 an including present-day practices.  Students will learn to apply theory to practice within the classroom setting for children ages' birth through eight, including children with exceptionalities.  Ethical issues in the Early Childhood setting will be explored.

CHS199

Practicum I - 3 credits

TThis 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 an early care and education classroom for 100 hours. Students must demonstrate competency in providing a safe and healthy learning environment that enables young children to develop physical, cognitive and communication skills.

Prerequisite: CHS111 or permission from the ECE Academic Program Manager

CHS201

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.

Prerequisite: CHS111 or ECE Academic Program Manager.

Studio fee required.

CHS203

Children's Literature and Language Arts - 3 Credits

This course is designed to acquaint students with many literature genres beginning with storytelling and including genre such as folk and multicultural literature, fantasy, poetry, biographies and more. The course explores the use of technology in educational settings and lesson plans for literacy.

Prerequisite:  CHS111

CHS298

Practicum II - 3 Credits

This course is a continuation of CHS 199 and provides students with practical experiences in early childhood education. Students are required to spend 15 hours per semester in seminar sessions and to assist in an early care and education classroom 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: CHS 111 and CHS 199 and permission from your Academic Advisor and the ECE Academic Program Manager

PSY101

Fundamentals of Psychology I - 3 Credits

This course examines the nature of psychology as a social and behavioral science. It surveys fundamental areas in behavior including research in psychology, the brain and behavior, learning, human development and socialization, intelligence, personality, health psychology, and social psychology.

PSY 201

Child Development - 3 Credits

This course emphasizes the psychological development of the child from birth to adolescence. Consideration is given to data, theories, and methods of studying child behavior. Emphasis is placed upon the general characteristics of various stages of development and upon general determinants of the developmental process.

Prerequisite: PSY101.