ECE125 The Early Childhood Professional

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This course introduces students to the professional expectations of early childhood teachers and caregivers by linking National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) policies, standards and code of ethics to our everyday work. The theme of lifelong learner is also used as a structure for students to plan, implement and evaluate their own professional development plans through the Child Development and Early Education program resources.

ECE135 Math Concepts in Early Childhood

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

The course focuses on how young children explore math concepts through play. Adult support requires knowledge of how to select and present suitable materials, tools and experiences to set the foundation for later academic learning in this area. The relevant guidelines of both the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) are presented.

ECE140 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This course introduces the foundations of early childhood education, historical and theoretical perspectives, and diverse program models. Topics include developmental stages of children from birth through age six, intentionality in approaches to teaching, and developmentally appropriate, inclusive practices.

ECE144 Observation Techniques

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This course provides an introduction to typical observation techniques in early childhood programs and prepares students for second-year coursework in individualization. Emphasis is placed on the collection and presentation of objective data regarding children's behavior. Anecdotal recording is the focus. Students must have ready access to a licensed program for young children and permission to observe individuals. Out-of-class time is required to complete the observation assignments.

ECE145 Positive Guidance

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This introductory course is designed to familiarize the student with the principles of positive guidance. Early childhood educators must bring a professional set of values and strategies to their classroom work with young children. Direct and indirect techniques for helping children build self regulation skills and support social-emotional development are presented.

ECE147 Infant/Toddler Caregiving

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

An examination of caregiving techniques for infants and toddlers, with emphasis on group care practices for this age range. The course deals with practical aspects of routines such as nutrition and feeding, diapering, sleep, etc. The importance of supporting attachment and promoting autonomy is discussed. Techniques for individualizing care in a group setting are emphasized. Students explore activity planning as well as patterns of concept and skill development.

ECE158 Learning Environments

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This course emphasizes the critical role of the learning environment for promoting children's physical, cognitive, and social skills. Topics include defining indoor and outdoor interest areas, developmental stages of play, skill assessment and activities, and materials and strategies to enhance play for young children.

Additional Course Fee: $20.00

ECE166 Seminar - Beginning

Credit 1Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: WE280CDC1.

This initial seminar focuses on discussion of issues and skills such as work ethic, positive guidance strategies and supporting children and other adults in the routines and transitions of an early childhood classroom.

ECE170 Health, Safety and Nutrition

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

Information on licensing requirements and group care needs of young children is provided. Safe and healthy practices, nutritional needs and the unique aspects of group care for children from infancy through preschool age are discussed, including the responsibilities of a mandatory reporter.

ECE171 Families and Diversity

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

This course focuses on families as a social system, cultural and structural diversity, values differences, and parenting styles. Anti-bias curriculum and approaches provide a key foundational system for building classroom community and partnering with families.

ECE173 Creative Art Experiences

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, each with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels.

Overview of the importance of sensory and creative art experiences for young children. Students engage with a variety of media as they explore developmentally appropriate processes. Students link creative art activities to children's development in all domains.

Additional Course Fee: $20.00

ECE236 Social/Emotional Development

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: ECE144, ECE145, ECE285 and RD090 or IECC201R with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course level. Co-requisite: WR115 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course level.

The importance of establishing relationships and exploring strategies to support children's social/emotional development is the primary focus of this course. Topics include identity, relationship building, fostering prosocial behavior, utilizing positive guidance techniques, and problem solving approaches for challenging behavior.

ECE243 Language and Literacy

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: ECE158, ECE147, ECE166 and RD090 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated levels. Co-requisite: WR115 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course level.

This course provides an overview for supporting language and literacy for children from birth to age five. Topics include identifying typical speech and language milestones in the early years, strategies to promote a literacy rich environment, evaluating age appropriate children's literature, and designing developmentally appropriate curriculum experiences.

ECE244 Observation and Documentation

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: ECE144, ECE145, ECE166 and RD090 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course level. Co-requisite: WR115 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course level.

The focus of this course is using observation to individualize curriculum and routines for young children. The student should be familiar with the use of anecdotals and other assessment tools. Child development knowledge, practical classroom experience, and effective basic guidance strategies are enhanced by using observation and assessment to individualize children's experiences.

ECE246 Home/School Relations

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: ECE171, ECE285 and RD090 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: WR115 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course level.

This course focuses on building and maintaining positive and respectful relationships with family and community members. Students explore role identification, family centered approaches, and collaboration with home/school/community partnerships.

ECE248 Special Needs and Inclusion

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 with a grade of "C" or better or placement above stated course level; ECE144 and ECE171. Co-requisite: WR115 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated level.

Developmental differences in young children are explored as well as an overview of the philosophy and practical issues of inclusion. The focus is on individual adaptations and collaborations with family members and other professionals. Content topics may include information on specific disabilities as well as educational and community resources for children with special needs.

ECE256 Science in Early Childhood

Credits 3Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: ECE135, ECE258 and RD090 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: WR115 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course level.

This course presents developmentally appropriate experiences for early childhood in the physical, life, and social sciences. The focus is on guided exploration, inquiry strategies, and hands on experiences. Content topics may include scientific processes such as investigations, use of science tools, and promoting a developing sense of self within the context of social and community relationships.

Additional Course Fee: $10.00

ECE258 Curriculum Development

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: ECE135, ECE158, ECE166 and RD090 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course levels. Co-requisite: WR115 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course level.

The principles of developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) serve as the foundation for intentional teaching in early childhood education. Students will use the principles of DAP to explore, design, and evaluate meaningful curriculum experiences that are reflective of children's emerging interests and linked to age appropriate objectives.

Additional Course Fee: $20.00

ECE260 Values and Issues in Early Childhood Education

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 with a grade of "C" or better or placement above stated course level; ECE171 and ECE285. Co-requisite: WR115 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated course level.

This course explores ethical issues in the profession, using the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) Code of Ethics as a basis for discussion. Professional values as a tool for decision making will be the focus. The importance of advocacy, conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies as well as anti-bias curriculum will be featured.

ECE261 Child Development Principles

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: RD090 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated level. Co-requisite: WR115 with a grade of "C" or better; or placement above stated level.

Surveys basic theories and principles of development from the prenatal period to adolescence. Examines various influences on development. The focus includes age-appropriate expectations and the significance of research findings for each stage. Students cannot get credit for both ECE261 and ED261.

ECE285 Seminar - Intermediate

Credit 1Fall

Registration Requirement: WE280CDC1 and ECE166. Co-requisite: WE280CDC1A.

This seminar accompanies the intermediate level of ECE cooperative education experience. It focuses on discussion of issues, concerns and skills such as objective observation, developing relationships with children, families, and classroom staff and emerging leadership skills for managing small and large group experiences.

ECE286 Seminar - Advanced

Credit 1Fall/Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: ECE285 and WE280CDC1A. Corequisite: WE280CDC2.

This seminar accompanies the advanced level of ECE cooperative education experience. It focuses on discussion of issues, concerns and skills such as building relationships with children, families and classroom staff, managing routines and transition, and guiding children in classroom activities.