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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Apply Child Development and Early Education program content and materials to academic and long term professional goals
2. Define professionalism in an early childhood context
3. Explore campus resources to support academic and personal success
4. List the resources of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC ) that support professional decision-making, e.g. the Code of Ethics, professional articles, etc.

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe NAEYC Position Statement for supporting math learning and development for young children
2. Identify appropriate materials for math exploration and curriculum experiences for young children
3. Link basic math concepts to child outcomes

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe historical and theoretical influences on current program models and approaches \\n\\n
2. Define and describe Developmentally Appropriate Practices \\n\\n
3. Identify developmental milestones and stages in children from birth to age six\\n\\n
4. Articulate the importance of inclusive and anti-bias teaching 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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Discuss the purposes of observation
2. Distinguish observation from opinion
3. List a variety of observation strategies that are practical for use in ECE
4. List guidelines for confidentiality
5. Prepare anecdotal notes that illustrate significant developmental events in young children

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Explain the foundations and principles of positive guidance.
2. Describe typical stages of social emotional development in young children.
3. Discuss how culture shapes guidance and the importance of understanding children and families in the context of their cultural communities.
4. Use effective communication techniques such as active listening, empathy, I-messages and appropriate directives.
5. Explain guidance strategies such as discerning individual needs, well-designed routines and transitions, direct and indirect guidance techniques, and how to foresee and forestall common issues.

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe how responsive, relationship-based caregiving supports various temperaments, needs, and interests of infants and toddlers
2. Examine and describe the principles of group care practices for infants and toddlers
3. Explain the importance of promoting attachment and autonomy
4. Observe and identify environments and routines that invite infants and toddlers to be active participants
5. Recognize and describe stages of physical, social-emotional and cognitive growth and development from birth to age 2 and a half

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

View Course Outcomes:

1. Identify various interests areas of the indoor and outdoor learning environment for children birth to age five
2. Describe age-appropriate materials and equipment that support children's developing skills and interests
3. Define stages of play and the value of play for each of the physical, cognitive, and social emotional developmental domains
4. Identify relevant elements of the environment (such as exploration and provocations) as a learning strategy for young children

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe events and issues encountered in Co-op field experiences.
2. Reflect on personal experiences and their implications for successful completion of Co-op competencies.

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Discuss the licensing regulations of the state of Oregon for group care for young children for ratios, appropriate discipline, curriculum and training of staff.
2. Describe the nutritional needs of young children.
3. Identify safety risks and remedies for this age group.
4. Articulate policies and practices relating to the control of infection in a group setting.
5. Identify procedures for relaying information as a mandatory reporter in circumstances of suspected abuse or neglect.

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Define “family” in a variety of inclusive ways
2. Describe how diverse cultural and familial values contribute to a child's emerging sense of self and identity.
3. Discuss how to design learning experiences and environments that incorporate an anti-bias approach in the classroom and school setting
4. Recognize linguistic, cultural, historical, and social influences on inter-relationships between the home, school, and surrounding communities

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

View Course Outcomes:

1. Analyze the teacher's role in fostering the creative process in early childhood programs
2. Describe the creative process for children related to visual arts, movement, and dramatic arts
3. Examine concepts taught through the creative arts process for various developmental domains
4. Identify elements of effective creative environments and materials

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Identify the essential elements of positive adult-child relationships
2. Develop planned curriculum experiences that support children's sense of self and emotional development
3. Develop planned curriculum experiences that foster children's social competence and prosocial behavior
4. Discuss a variety of developmentally appropriate guidance strategies 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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Define language and literacy for early childhood as a broad range of activities, methods, processes and skills
2. Identify the developmental pathways of pre-reading and pre-writing skills
3. Evaluate a variety of children’s literature and literacy materials for high quality indicators as well as their usefulness for promoting skills such as phonological awareness, sequencing, and rhyme.
4. Design developmentally appropriate experiences and direct and indirect strategies to support language development

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Explain the value of observation and assessment of children's needs and developmental levels
2. Use formal and informal observation tools to assess individual development in all domains
3. Use observation to evaluate curriculum activities, routines, and other group dynamics in an early childhood setting

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Identify various cultural values and perspectives that influence the home, school, and community dynamics
2. Define and describe multiple lenses to examine family centered approaches
3. Discuss approaches and strategies to support and engage families in the home/school partnership through respectful, reciprocal relationships
4. Analyze confidentiality guidelines and other professional boundaries as they relate to families, staff, and communities.
5. Discuss problem solving strategies and generate possible solutions to home /school challenges

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Analyze a variety of strategies for inclusion and support for children with special needs in an early childhood setting
2. Describe the role of special education experts and the referral processes
3. Discuss best practices for collaborating with families regarding inclusion strategies, curriculum modifications, and connecting with community resources
4. Distinguish normative development from signs of delay or special concerns

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

View Course Outcomes:

1. Explain how children’s natural exploration and inquiry serves as the foundation for constructing developmentally appropriate science and social science curriculum.
2. Describe the value of active, hands on experiences for young children’s understanding of science concepts.
3. Identify approaches and experiences to support children’s emerging sense of identity and involvement in the larger social world in which they live.
4. Develop age appropriate curriculum experiences that integrate science concepts, methods, and language to implement with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

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

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe the importance of curriculum experiences based on children's interests and play experiences
2. Use the principles of DAP to plan and evaluate curriculum experiences that support children's development in the various domains
3. Demonstrate skill in linking learner objectives to the curriculum planning and evaluation/reflection process

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Discuss the core principles and values of Early Childhood Education including the Code of Ethics, DAP, anti-bias curriculum and accreditation standards
2. Use a variety of critical thinking skills and strategies to critique and generate possible resolutions for professional ethical dilemmas
3. Describe the significance of advocacy
4. Develop a philosophy statement as an early childhood professional
5. Prepare materials and resources for career opportunities in the ECE field (i.e., resume, job interview preparedness, etc.)

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe physical, social, emotional and cognitive domains of development
2. Describe the basic principles of growth and development from the prenatal period to adolescence
3. Explain the major theories of child development
4. Utilize knowledge of variables that influence development for professional and personal decision making

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Describe observations and issues encountered during Co-op field experiences.
2. Reflect upon and evaluate personal experiences in determining successful completion of Co-op competencies.

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.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Identify and self-evaluate areas of emerging and proficient skills as outlined in Advanced Co-op Competencies.
2. Discuss observations and issues encountered during Co-op field experiences and apply critical thinking skills towards potential strategies for resolution.