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)

Provides an exploration of guidance theories, techniques, and practices used to support young children’s ability to learn and engage in prosocial interactions with peers and adults. This course covers factors that influence children’s behaviors, as well as aspects of early childhood educator professionalism related to ethical and equitable guidance practice. 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 development and care pertinent to infant and toddler children, ages birth to three years, in early childhood settings. The course includes information on state requirements for regulating health, safety, and nutrition practices in early childhood settings, and on indicators of quality care for infants and toddlers. 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. This course includes nutrition knowledge, menu planning, food program participation, health practices, management and safety, appropriate activities, and communication with families for early childhood educators. This course addresses children ages birth through 12 years.

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)

Provides an overview of growth, development, and learning of young children from birth through 12 years. The course includes the major theories of development as integrated in developmental domains and offers opportunities to practice effective research and assessment methods to gather child development information. This course also includes practical applications of child development knowledge to responsive teaching practices. (3-0)

Examines personal and professional dispositions and strategies impacting partnerships with diverse families, including perspectives that recognize diversity and promote equity in early care and education settings. The course covers theoretical perspectives of families and communities, communication strategies, and activities used to promote family partnerships, and explores community resources to support children and their families. 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)