Early Childhood Education Minor

Offered spring odd numbered years. This course is an overview of principles and practices in early childhood education (ages birth through eight). The main topics to be covered will include: the sociological, professional, and theoretical perspectives of early childhood education with a focus on developmentally appropriate practice (DAP); the skills and dispositions needed in planning and implementing early care and education programs for all children; and education models in early childhood.Students must plan for a minimum of 45 hours in an early childhood setting to meet requirements for the application of course content. Co-convened course with EDEC 508.

Offered Spring even numbered years. This on-line course explores the dynamics of working together with families of young children (birth - 8) in early childhood programs using a family-centered approach that places the child in the context of family and community. Students will explore developmental relationship building, communication, needs-based assessment and cultural diversity through readings, online discussion groups, an independent service-learning project and field-work. Co-convened with EDEC 510.

Offered fall odd numbered years. This course features an in-depth examination of how early learning standards in all content areas (math, science, literacy, technology, physical education, and the arts) can be met through the design and facilitated use of play-based environments. Also examined will be the role of the teacher as environmental designer and facilitator of learning. Students must plan for a minimum of 45 hours in an early childhood setting to meet requirements for the application of course content. This course is co-convened with EDEC 520.

Offered autumn even numbered years. This on-line course examines the development, components, and influences of social competence in the early childhood years (birth – 8). Positive guidance techniques that enhance children‘s self-esteem and pro-social skills will be taught. Students will examine developmental theories, current literature, researched-based teaching strategies and assessment tools. Students must plan for a minimum of 45 hours in an early childhood setting to meet requirements for the application of course content. Co-convened with EDEC 530.

Offered every semester. This course provides students the opportunity to participate in planning and facilitating learning activities in a multi-age early childhood program while also participating in an on-line seminar. Students will observe and facilitate learning in a model early childhood setting and participate in on-going written and verbal reflection to explore key teaching and learning issues. The course will focus on promoting student knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the areas of child observation and assessment, curriculum planning, child guidance, and integration of curriculum using a broad repertoire of teaching strategies. Students are required to be based in an approved licensed and/or accredited early childhood program for a minimum of 8 hours/week. Co-convened with EDEC 595.

Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., Admission to the Teacher Education Program. This course must be taken concurrently with Level 1 courses. This course will examine the classroom practices that impact elementary aged children’s learning, motivation and development. The content is closely aligned with co-requisite courses and initial field experience, allowing opportunities for observation and practice of principles covered in class.

(R-15) Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., admission to the Teacher Education Program. This course number is used for multiple methods courses. Check the class schedule or with your advisor regarding appropriate sections. PK-4 Early Numeracy: Offered autumn and spring. This class must be taken concurrently with Level 1 courses and is restricted to students who have been admitted to the Elementary Education program. Students will learn mathematics concepts, methods of instruction, and the use of instructional materials appropriate for grades K-4 including the use of state and national standards for mathematics, appropriate technology, and manipulatives. Additionally, students will learn techniques for assessing the effectiveness of the counting and cardinality, operations and algebraic thinking, numbers and operations, measurement and data, and geometry. PK-3 Early Literacy: Offered autumn and spring. This class must be taken concurrently with Level 1 courses and is restricted to students who have been admitted to the Elementary Education program. The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of emergent literacy and beginning reading and to examine developmentally appropriate methods of teaching and assessing reading to children in grades K-3.