Early Childhood Education

This course provides an introduction to and analysis of the early childhood profession in relationship to society, community, the family, the child and self. The historical context, teaching and learning theories, types of programs best practices, ethical guidelines, current issues and trends, laws and regulations are covered. The impact of the multiple and diverse influences of family, culture and society on the child and the early childhood professional will be explored. This course requires six hours of observation fieldwork.

This course examines the growth and development of the young child from birth through age eight. The characteristics, patterns and theories of development in the areas of physical/ motor, emotional, social, language, and cognitive development are covered. The complex and diverse influences of culture, environment and individual needs are considered as the young child is studied in relationship to family, school and community. The role of the early childhood professional in relationship to the development of the young child is considered. This course requires six hours of field observation.

This course provides an in-depth study of the planning for and evaluation of safe, healthy, nutritional early childhood environments. Settings and curriculum that are developmentally, individually and culturally sensitive in the areas of health, nutrition and safety will be explored. The course reviews the relevant policies, regulations and quality guidelines that support healthy, safe environments for the young child, birth through age eight. Topics include: Planning, creating and evaluating play in learning environments and curriculum; the "whole child", family needs, related community resources, issues, trends, and advocacy needs. This course requires a minimum of four hours of observation and six hours of participatory advocacy work in support of the young child's health, safety, and nutritional needs.

An exploration of current theories of teaching and learning techniques used in early childhood education for children ages three through eight years. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of the constructivist, play, and process approaches on the environment, curriculum planning, instructional techniques, behavior guidance and teacher interactions. Attention is paid to the role of the teacher in the development and assessment of activities, materials, and environments that support the developmental as well as the cultural and special learning needs of the individual child and their families. This course requires a minimum of 8 hours of fieldwork in an approved early childhood setting.

This course will examine the child with a special need, birth through age eight, within the family context and in an inclusive early childhood setting. The characteristics of typical and atypical development and the most common exceptionalities will be covered. Emphasis will be on identification, observation, screening, assessment, family-centered early supports and services, natural and inclusive environments, individualized plans, the IEP and IFSP, community resources, current issues and trends. The role and impact of family and cultural, linguistic diversity on the child with a special need will be emphasized. This course requires six hours of fieldwork.

This course offers students and experiential learning opportunity where they will actively engage in various aspects of children's learning. The focus will be on the interactions between the student and the children, parents, and professionals encountered during the experience and various theories related to child development, curriculum, observation, and environmental planning. Students will apply and integrate the skills, theories, and knowledge gained from their prerequisite coursework. Participants will complete a total of 112 hours in an approved, field-based, licensed early childhood setting under the supervision of an experienced and qualified early childhood teacher. This course addresses all six of the NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professionals.

This course is a study of current research, theories, and models of teaching and learning techniques used in the care and early childhood education of children birth to three years of age. The role, responsibilities of and relationships between families and early childhood caregivers and educators will be emphasized. Topics will include the developmental stages of infants and toddlers, the components of quality programs, supportive environments and curriculum with sensitivity to attachment and separation, trust, communication and nurturing. Attention is paid to the role of the caregiver/teacher in the development and assessment of activities, materials, environments and routines that support the child and families individual and special needs. This course requires six hours of fieldwork in an approved early childhood setting.

This course provides an in-depth study of the literacy and language development of the young child. The component of a literacy and language-rich environment that is culturally and individually sensitive will be explored. Topics covered will include literacy and language arts; developmental characteristics and needs according to the child's stage; special needs of the individual child and the ESOL developing child; pre-reading and reading skills; methods and techniques of lesson presentations; diverse language and literacy materials and activities; partnerships with families and communities to support literacy development, and trends in literacy. This course contains a service learning experience option and requires a minimum of six hours of fieldwork.

This course provides a study of theories and strategies related to the positive, supportive, developmentally appropriate guidance of the young child in the group environment. Emphasis is placed on creating environments that are flexible and respectful, and are socially and culturally sensitive for all children and their families. Strategies for building an encouraging classroom in order to minimize disruptive behavior and support the development of the young child will be explored. Workable strategies for conflict management, quick intervention and crisis management techniques will be examined. This course requires a minimum of eight hours of field observation.

This course provides a study of the creative nature of the young child as it relates to the creative arts, math and science. Emphasis will be on an experiential application of developmentally appropriate, constructivist, play and process curriculum methods in early childhood curriculum for children ages three through eight years. The impact of the creative, exploratory approach on behavior guidance and classroom management will be included. This experiential course will provide the student with the opportunity to plan, create and implement activities, as well as to develop teaching strategies, technique and skills. This course requires a minimum of eight hours of fieldwork in an approved early childhood setting.

This course reviews the teaching and ethical standards of the early childhood profession. The assembling and presentation of a professional portfolio for assessment and the processes of selecting best work samples that present evidence of competency in program outcomes will be covered. Topics include; the role of the teacher in connection to the child, family and community, professional standards and code of ethics, selection of and reflection on artifacts and evidence of learning and demonstration of the self as an early childhood professional

This capstone course offers students the opportunity to apply and integrate the skills, theories, and knowledge gained throughout the Early Childhood Associate Degree program. Participants will engage in a field-based practicum in a licensed early childhood setting, supervised by an experienced and degreed early childhood teacher.

The practicum experience will involve observing, developing, and implementing developmentally appropriate learning activities and environments, managing the classroom, and collaborating with parents and the teaching team. Students are required to complete a total of 112 hours on-site and attend a one-hour weekly seminar.

To culminate this experience, students will create and present a professional portfolio and a thematic teaching unit. This capstone experience covers all six NAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation.