Early Childhood Education

Provides an introduction to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Course content includes eight key areas of professional knowledge related to working with young children and their families in early care and education settings: child growth and development; health, nutrition and safety; developmentally appropriate practices; guidance; family and community relationships; diversity and inclusion; professionalism; and administration and supervision. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. (3-0)

Focuses on a classroom seminar and placement in a child care setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe children, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and management techniques. Addresses age's birth through age 8. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 and ECE1031 with a "C" grade or better. (1-4)

Explores guidance theories, applications, goals, and techniques, as well as factors that influence behavioral expectations of children. This course includes classroom management and pro-social skills development of young children in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite:  ECE1011. (3-0)

Presents an overview of theories, applications (including observations), and issues pertinent to infant and toddler development in group and\or family settings. Includes state requirements for licensing, health, safety, and nutrition issues. Focuses on birth through age 3. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

Includes a classroom seminar and placement in an infant and\or toddler setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and nurturing techniques with infants and\or toddlers. Addresses ages prenatal through age 2. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1111  (0-5)

Explores the nanny’s role and responsibilities when working with today’s families. Includes professional relationships, ethics, commitment to children, the challenges and rewards of working in a private home, communications, taking care of one’s own well-being as a nanny, social skills, travel, the process of seeking a nanny position, employer responsibilities, the nanny job description and written employment agreement, and starting and leaving a job. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE 1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

Explores the competencies required of a nanny to care for children in a private home setting. Includes creating a safe home environment, planning and implementing developmentally appropriate play/learning activities for children, traveling with children, children’s clothing, children’s equipment and play materials, sleep routines, personal care, feeding, and mealtimes. Incorporates a lab where students gain practical experience in providing in home care for children. Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 and ECE1031 with a "C" grade or better. (Contact hours-15 hours lecture= 1 credit, 75 hours field instruction in licensed child care home= 2 credits) (3-0)

Focuses on nutrition, health, and safety as key factors for optimal growth and development of young children. Includes nutrient knowledge, menu planning, food program participation, health practices, management and safety, appropriate activities, and communication with families. Addresses ages from prenatal through age 8. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011. (3-0)

Provides a foundational understanding of the observation and assessment of young children’s development and learning environments. This course also examines the current research on the continuous practice of observing and assessing children’s development and incorporates practice with a variety of assessment instruments, particularly evidence-based and authentic assessment. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 (1-0)

Covers the growth and development of the child from conception through the elementary school years. This course emphasizes physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional domains of development as they pertain to the concept of the whole child. It also includes ways adults can provide a supportive early childhood care and educational environment through teamwork and collaboration. (3-0)

Examines professional attitudes related to working with diverse families and how unconscious bias may affect family-professional partnerships in early care and education settings. This course covers theoretical perspectives of families and communities, communication strategies, and an exploration of activities and resources to support family engagement in their children’s education. Supporting equity and inclusion of all family cultures in early care and education settings for children ages birth through eight. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 (3-0)

Prepares the student for certification in CPR and Basic First Aid. Skills will include basic life support, airway obstruction, control of bleeding, shock, and patient care for the unconscious. (1-0)

Presents an overview of critical elements related to educating young children with disabilities or special needs in the early childhood setting. Topics include: typical and atypical development; legal requirements; research-based practices related to inclusion; teaming and collaboration; and accommodations and adaptations. This course examines how a disability or special need may impact a young child’s learning process. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ECE1011 or ECE2381 with a "C" grade or better or Co-requisite: ECE1011 and ECE2381. (3-0)