Courses and Descriptions
ECE 200 Infant and Toddler Care and Education 3 Credits
Focuses on nutritional and psychological influences on infant and toddler growth and development, including current research in infant development; childbirth; breast feeding; infant stimulation; intellectual development; attachment behavior; and infants in group care. Recognizing that there is increased demand for infant/toddler care, it is increasingly important to assure that America’s infants receive a safe, healthy, emotionally secure, and intellectually rich start in life. High quality care and education of very young children are based upon responsive and respectful relationships among all of the people in each child’s life.
ECE 332 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.
ECE 450 Language, Literacy, and Learning Across Domains in Early Childhood 3 Credits
This course focuses on development of language, the building of foundational literacy skills and the acquisition of knowledge during the early childhood years. It will provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of child development and growth. Students will have the opportunity to consider how various experiences and interactions influence learning during these vital years and the importance of creating an environment that fosters and nurtures diverse and equitable opportunities for children. The role of play in learning and the influence of social interaction with caring adults and peers will be discussed. Students will learn how to make curricular and teaching decisions based on knowledge of child development subject-specific content, curriculum content standards, and home and community cultures. Students will examine the role of language and literacy across the disciplines in early childhood. Developmental milestones in language acquisition and literacy development will be discussed and tools for screening young learners in these areas will be introduced. Students will gain an appreciation for the professional responsibility of early childhood educators, particularly with regard to understanding children’s home and family community, fostering learning across developmental domains, tracking progress, and intervening and/or seeking the support of specialists as warranted. Required: 6 hours per week field placement in a preschool classroom. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.