ECED 532 Families, Community, and Diversity in Early Childhood Education 3 Credits
This course addresses the role of parents of young children within the context of school, home and society, as well as the influence of culture, traditions and current issues in early childhood education. Students will explore the efficacy of parenting techniques and behaviors on child development in the early years, including cognitive growth, emotional and social well-being and physical health. Students will investigate strategies for fostering home-school partnerships that enhance child development and educational success, as well as the influence of community, culture and socio-economic status on families and schools throughout our world. In addition, this course addresses current issues and challenges in the early childhood profession including inclusion of children with special needs, advocacy for quality care and education for all young children, and any other subject that might arise - either from the lives of children and families, teachers’ professional development, or community agencies. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.
ECED 550 Development Methods and Assessment in Early Childhood Education 3 Credits
The focus of this course is developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive curriculum and teaching P-3 settings as delineated in the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Students will learn how to make curriculum and teaching decisions based on knowledge of child development, content area, curriculum content standards, and home and community cultures. In order to meet the ever-changing needs, interests, and growing strengths of individual children, careful observation and assessment provides teachers with information on which to base adjustments of teaching plans. This course will provide opportunities to deepen understanding of child development; gain an appreciation for the professional responsibility of ongoing assessment of children; and, develop the necessary skills to gather, record, and interpret information in a deliberate and reflective manner. Required: 6 hours per week field placement in a Preschool classroom. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.