ECE: Early Childhood Education

ECE 502. Advanced Child Dev: Prebirth Through Eight Years. 3 Credits.

Course covers development of children pre-birth through age eight. A review of historical and contemporary theories of development as well as emerging research is included.
Pre / Co requisites: ECE 502 requires a prerequisite of ECE 503.
Typically offered in Fall.

ECE 503. Foundations of Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

In this course, students explore the meaning of developmentally appropriate practice as the foundation on which to build early childhood programs and schools for children from birth through age 8. Examination of historical roots, ethical considerations, models of teaching, and current practices in early childhood settings will be a focus.
Typically offered in Fall.

ECE 504. Play-Based Teaching and Learning. 3 Credits.

The goal of this course is to guide students and build their understanding of play as a psychological state of being, an essential element of early childhood curriculum and learning, as well as a human behavior that expresses creativity, culture, context, and individual values. In a modern world that emphasizes "outcomes" and "products," this course will place emphasis on the process of learning that all people build during the early years of their growth, development, and early learning experiences. Lastly, students will build their understanding that play is the only form of human behavior that heals emotions, builds social understanding, strengthens bodies, and builds cognitive processes.
Pre / Co requisites: ECE 504 requires prerequisites of ECE 505 and ECE 509.
Typically offered in Spring.

ECE 505. Partnerships in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the important and diverse contexts in which young children develop and the impact of partnerships among families, schools/programs, and communities on the education of young children.
Pre / Co requisites: ECE 505 requires a prerequisite of ECE 502.
Typically offered in Spring.

ECE 506. Early Childhood Curriculum & Assessment I. 3 Credits.

Developmentally appropriate activities, curriculum, and assessment will be examined through the application of one's understanding of typical and atypical growth and development in the first five years. Discussion of observation strategies, methods of documenting children's learning, and assessment techniques will lead to the intentional development of curriculum plans and thematic units for young children.
Pre / Co requisites: ECE 506 requires a prerequisite of ECE 510.
Typically offered in Fall.

ECE 507. Early Childhood Curriculum & Assessment II. 3 Credits.

This course builds on and expands curriculum and assessment knowledge in Early Childhood education. The course covers learning contexts, unit planning, family involvement and classroom management.
Pre / Co requisites: ECE 507 requires a prerequisite of ECE 506.
Typically offered in Fall.

ECE 508. Advocacy & Leadership in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

Professional service and advocacy on behalf of children, families and communities will be course highlights. Students will engage in personal reflection and analyze current issues and policies that impact young children and families. Students will research a variety of advocacy strategies and apply their knowledge of child development, developmentally effective practices, national and state standards, and management competencies as they examine their own development as leaders.
Pre / Co requisites: ECE 508 requires a prerequisite of ECE 504.
Typically offered in Summer.

ECE 509. Diverse Learners in Early Childhood Settings. 3 Credits.

This course explores the value of learner diversity and multiculturalism and examines the powerful learning opportunities it affords today's early childhood settings. Students will examine their attitudes, beliefs, and biases regarding diverse students, families, and communities as they use approaches aimed at working together to ensure equitable access to high-quality learning experiences for all children. Further, students will explore the benefits of inclusive practices and develop learning experiences that consider the diverse needs of today's learners in early childhood settings.
Pre / Co requisites: ECE 509 requires a prerequisite of ECE 502.
Typically offered in Spring.

ECE 510. Designing Effective Learning Environments for Young Children. 3 Credits.

The course will examine how well-designed learning environments create a safe and responsive environment that supports the learning and development of young children and nurtures positive relationships. Environmental practices referring to aspects of space, materials, equipment, routines, and activities that practitioners and families can intentionally alter to support child's learning across developmental domains in early childhood programs and schools for children from birth through age 8 will be explored.
Pre / Co requisites: ECE 510 requires a prerequisite of ECE 508.
Typically offered in Summer.

ECE 512. Integrated Curriculum & Assessment: Birth to Age 8. 3 Credits.

Designed for teachers, program administrators, and principals in early childhood settings, this course is an in depth examination of the curriculum frameworks, standards and assessment in early childhood education.
Distance education offering may be available.

ECE 513. Advocating for Young Children and Families. 3 Credits.

Professional service and advocacy on behalf of children, families and communities will be course highlights. Students will analyze policies and develop skills in advocacy and community mobilization.
Distance education offering may be available.

ECE 514. Advocacy, Leadership, and Supervision in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

Through this course, students will enhance their knowledge, skills and dispositions for management and leadership as defined by NAEYC Accreditation criteria. Students will apply their knowledge of child development, developmentally effective practices, national and state standards, and management competencies as they examine their own development as leaders.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

ECE 515. Coaching and Supervision in ECE. 3 Credits.

This course explores the current theory, research and best practices related to mentoring/coaching and supervision of professional practice in early childhood settings.
Distance education offering may be available.

ECE 516. Issues in Early Childhood Child Program Administration. 3 Credits.

This course will address issues related to childcare administration, including the characteristics of high-quality early childhood models and programs, current trends, evidence-based child development practices, family and community involvement, and the management of program operations.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

ECE 517. Marketing, Technology, and Fiscal Management in Early Childhood Programs. 3 Credits.

This course will introduce best practices related to organizational structure, finances, and the use of technology in business operations of early childhood programs. Students will identify core values related to business orientation and investigate quality benchmarks associated with budget planning and fiscal management. Students will explore marketing strategies, technology tools, and funding opportunities in addition to record keeping, decision-making, and recruitment and retention.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

ECE 550. The Early Childhood Professional as Researcher. 3-6 Credits.

Conducting teacher as researcher activities, organizing assessment data and artifacts, and reporting action research results are the goals for students enrolled in this course. It provides students with the opportunity to explore action research and use the methodology to engage in systematic inquiry that leads to improvement in some aspect of their professional lives.
Pre / Co requisites: ECE 550 requires a prerequisite of ECE 507.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

ECE 598. Workshop in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.

Workshop in Early Childhood Education.
Typically offered in Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.