Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Courses

• •  

  • Code

  • Course

  • Credits

• • BUS 220

  • Business Ethics

  • 3
  An introductory course in business ethics focusing on what business relationships are and ought to be with the various constituencies in which business operates. Through the use of case analysis, the student will develop a means of arriving at decisions that he or she can feel are “right,” “proper,” and “just.” Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • EDU 101

  • Introduction of Early Childhood Education

  • 3
  This is an introductory course in the principles of early childhood education focusing on facilities, staff, goals, and methodology of various programs such as day care, Head Start, and nursery school. Traditional and contemporary issues in early childhood education will be considered, and emphasis will be placed on meeting the needs of the developing child. 20-30 hours of observations in the field will be required. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • EDU 105

  • Curriculum for Preschool Children

  • 3
  By focusing on methods and materials in early childhood education, this course explores ways to maximize the learning experience for young children. The meaning and value of play and the child’s individual and developing use of materials will be considered. Projects based on cues from children’s interests and how to adopt activities for children in differing cultural settings will be included. 15 observation hours in the field will be required. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • EDU 107

  • Health and Nutrition for Preschoolers

  • 3
  This course is an analysis of the personal health and nutritive needs of young children. The proper foods for young children are emphasized in relation to the physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being of the child. The role of early childhood programs in preventive health care is stressed, and consideration is given to the body function of the young child with respect to anatomy, physiology, correct nutrition, rest, recreation, exercise, and play. 10 observation hours in the field will be required. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • EDU 217

  • Behavior and Guidance for Young Child

  • 3
  This course will focus on the process of understanding and fostering responsible and cooperative behavior in young children, including positive ways of guiding children through challenging behaviors. Students will explore appropriate guidance strategies such as redirection, promoting pro-social behavior, positive assertiveness, consistency, and internal mechanisms that guide self- control. Students will also take an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach to documenting and analyzing behavior. Prerequisites: EDU 101 AND EDU 105.
• • EDU 218

  • Infant and Toddler Development and Curriculum

  • 3
  This course focuses on understanding the growth and development of infants and toddlers, and planning curriculum for the child under three years of age. Emphasis will be placed on the whole child’s development: physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. Understanding growth and development will be the basis for planning curriculum for infants and toddlers in group care, family day care, as well as parent/child activities. This course fulfills the EEC requirement for an Infant/Toddler curriculum course. 10 observation hours in the field required.
• • EDU 222

  • Children with Special Needs

  • 3
  Introduction to special education emphasizing observation, evaluation, and planning for young children. Special needs such as physical handicaps, cognitive impairment, and the newer recognized areas of disabilities will be considered, including the implications for the teacher and federal and state legislation affecting children with special needs. Replaces (EDU 221) Special Needs for Preschool. 20-30 hours of practicum/observations in the field are required.
• • EDU 250

  • Management and Supervision in Early Childhood Education Centers

  • 3
  This is an advanced course in principles of management and supervision of child care centers. This course will include both theory and application of theory. Topics covered will include: theories of management processes and approaches of management principles and tasks of management (such as planning and organizing, staffing, leading, monitoring and controlling for quality), managing spatial resources, health and safety needs of children, managing food service, children’s programs and communication with parents and the public. Prerequisites: PSY 103
• • EDU 317

  • Financial Management for Day Care Administrators

  • 3
  This is an introductory course to the nursery school and the day care center as a business. Various types of centers and the skills necessary to manage the business are covered. The approach to material is a combination of theory and practical activities. Topics included are developing budgets, insurance liability, computers in business, ordering equipment, advertising and licensing requirements. Prerequisite: EDU 250
• • EDU 320

  • Early Childhood Education Field Experience

  • 6
  This course covers the application of the art and science of teaching with a group of young children under the supervision of the child care center director. Students will each have an individualized program to help them assess and meet the needs of the children, work with staff, and develop curricula. The student’s child care center placement must be approved by the program faculty prior to registration. Please contact the faculty in the semester prior to taking the seminar. Prerequisites: PSY 103, EDU 101, EDU 105, EDU 110, EDU 222 with a grade of “C” or higher and faculty approval. Corequisite: EDU 210. Note: CORI check required. 150 hour field experience hours required for this course.
• • ENG 101

  • English Composition I

  • 3
  A required course for all students who have demonstrated acceptable writing proficiency as measured by a standard test or satisfactory completion of ENG 090. This course will emphasize developing the student’s ability to articulate his/her thoughts in writing a coherent, unified, and well- structured composition. The student will write a series of papers. The student will also learn the techniques needed to produce a library research paper. The required research paper is a major component of the course.
• • ENG 102

  • English Composition II

  • 3
  A required course, which introduces the student to themes and techniques in the basic genres of literature: the short story, drama, and poetry. Expository papers may be written in response to ideas embodied in literature. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or permission of instructor.
• • HSV 103

  • Introduction to Social Work

  • 3
  The student will explore, In depth, the concepts of social work, in terms of knowledge, values and skills that are required for an effective introduction to the profession of social work. Special populations, foundational theories, functions and roles of a social worker, as well as emerging issues in society will be evaluated on a multi-systemic level. This course will assist the student In preparing for the state II censure examination at the LSWA level.
• • MGT 201

  • Principles of Management

  • 3
  An introductory course covering the general topics of planning, organizing, directing and controlling. Included are the historic developments of management as a separate discipline within organizations, the changing scope and styles of management, and the application of management principles in the business environment. Prerequisite: BUS 101.
• • PSY 101

  • General Psychology

  • 3
  This course is an introduction to the basic concepts, major theories, different theoretical perspectives and research methods in psychology. The focus is on theories of personality, motivation, learning, intelligence, emotions, developmental processes, physiological psychology, perception, and psychological assessment. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • PSY 103

  • Child Development

  • 3
  This course is designed to provide the student with an integrated understanding of child development as it relates to early childhood education. A broad theoretical background is combined with principles of application. Emphasis is on the social context of early development, group processes, influence of the family, role of play, and the development of cognitive capabilities. Visitations to pre-school centers required.
• • PSY 210

  • Psychology of Learning

  • 3
  This educational psychology course will explore the teaching and learning process; teaching with an emphasis on planning effective instructional strategies, classroom management, and assessment. It focuses on human development, learning theories, individual difference, and motivation. Prerequisite PSY 101.
• • PSY 216

  • Growth & Development

  • 3
  This course explores human growth and development across the lifespan, from how the fetus develops a preference for familiar voices, to the adolescent identity crisis, to the development of wisdom in late adulthood. The course is organized around major developmental periods in the lifespan. Contributions of significant developmental theorists are highlighted. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • PSY 301

  • Child Psychology

  • 3
  This course provides the student with a focus of child psychology from the biological, psychological and socioemotional factors of human development from conception to adolescence. Students will analyze theoretical models including Freud, Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, Bowlby and Elkind through a sociocultural lens. At the end of the course students should determine which theoretical models are best used to understand development in terms of physical maturation, identity, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Prerequisites: PSY 101 or PSY 103 or permission of the instructor.
• • SOC 203

  • Sociology of the Family

  • 3
  This course will focus on the family as a primary social institution. Emphasis will be placed on theoretical perspectives, variations, and alternatives, as well as the changing family over the life span. Special topics include cross-cultural influences, issues related to courtship, marriage and family development, and the effects of changes in the American family. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of the instructor.