ECE-103 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is an overview of early childhood programs and curricula, historical and present, and an examination of qualities and skills necessary for working with young children.

ECE-123 - Family, Teacher and Community Interaction

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course will provide an introduction to the family systems and parenting in a changing society. Principles of child development with family relationships applied to group and individual work with parents will be covered. This course will assist providers in developing skills that will help them effectively relate to parents. Topics will include: communication techniques, children's fears, discipline, nutrition, diversity, children's play and discovery as learning opportunities and school/community resources.

ECE-133 - Child Health, Safety and Nutrition

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course focuses on evidence-based concepts in the fields of health, safety and nutrition and their relationship to the growth and development of the young child ages birth to eight. The course blends current theory with problem solving, practical applications and assessments. The course includes collaboration with families, and assesses the role of culture, language and ability on health, safety and nutrition decisions in early childhood settings.

ECE-140 - Early Childhood Curriculum Planning

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course examines and evaluates early childhood curriculum and methods leading to the development and implementation of appropriate curricula for young children. Corequisite: ECE-284.

ECE-158 - Early Childhood Curriculum I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course focuses on the development, implementation and assessment of appropriate environments and curricula for young children ages birth through eight. Students prepare to utilize evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices in a context of children's family, culture, language and abilities. An emphasis will be placed on understanding children's developmental stages and developing appropriate learning opportunities, interactions and environments to support each child in the following areas: dramatic play, art, music and fine and gross motor play.

ECE-159 - Early Childhood Curriculum II

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course focuses on the development, implementation and assessment of appropriate environments and curricula for young children ages birth through eight. Students prepare to utilize developmentally appropriate, evidence-based practices in a context of children's family, culture, language and abilities. An emphasis will be placed on understanding children's developmental stages and developing appropriate learning opportunities, interactions and environments to support each child in the following areas: emergent literacy, math, science, technology and social studies. Prerequisite: ECE-158.

ECE-170 - Child Growth and Development

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course reviews typical and atypical development of children from conception to adolescence in all developmental domains. Students will examine interactions between child, family and society within a variety of community and cultural contexts. The course will explore theories and evidence-based practices associated with understanding and supporting young children.

ECE-221 - Infant/Toddler Care and Education

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Focuses on care, education and assessment of children from birth to 36 months. Prepares students to utilize developmentally appropriate evidence-based practices including responsive caregiving, routines as curriculum, collaborative relationships with culturally, linguistically and ability diverse children and families, and a focus on the whole child in inclusive settings.

ECE-243 - Early Childhood Guidance

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course focuses on developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approaches and positive guidance strategies for supporting the development of each child. The course emphasizes supportive interactions and developmentally appropriate environments while using assessment to analyze and guide behaviors. Students will learn the impact of family and each child's culture, language and ability on child guidance.

ECE-284 - Field Experience II

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course includes supervised experience in selected early childhood settings serving children ages birth through eight. It includes integration of theory, research and reflective practice. The course will provide an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices and the developmental stages of diverse populations of adult/child interactions, basic curriculum planning and program routines. Students will explore the overall operation of a program. Students will complete 32 hours of observation for this course. Prerequisites: ECE-158 or ECE-159. Corequisites: ECE-140 or ECE-290.

ECE-290 - Early Childhood Program Administration

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course addresses the basic principles common to administering quality early childhood programs. The course will emphasize a director's roles and responsibilities, state and federal regulations, business procedures, staff development and hiring, policy development, fiscal and facility management, marketing, program evaluation, child care advocacy, family and community involvement. The course is designed for second-year students and persons interested in becoming a program administrator. Prerequisite: ECE-159. Corequisite: ECE-932.