Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Courses

• •  

  • Code

  • Course

  • Credits

• • 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 115

  • Children’s Literature

  • 3
  This course surveys the current field of children’s literature, emphasizing criteria and standards of high quality books for children. It is designed for students in early childhood education and for individuals responsible for the selection of appropriate books for use with children. The course content includes methods of presentation of literature to children. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
• • EDU 117

  • Positive Guidance for Young Child

  • 3
  This course will focus on the process of establishing and maintaining responsible and cooperative behavior in young children. Positive ways to guide children through challenging behaviors will be addressed. Various developmentally appropriate guidance strategies such as redirection, promoting pro-social behavior, positive assertiveness, consistency, and internal mechanisms that guide self-control will be examined. Observations (15 hours) in the field will be required.
• • EDU 210

  • ECE Seminar

  • 3
  This course will examine the problems arising from the daily teaching experiences. Discussions will focus on the current teaching situation, planning and implementing appropriate activities, as well as approaches to guiding and educating the developing child. Prerequisites: PSY 103, EDU 101, EDU 105, EDU 110, EDU 222 with a grade of “C” or higher and faculty approval. The student’s child care center placement must be approved by the program faculty prior to registration. Corequisite: EDU 320.
• • 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 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.
• • 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.
• • SOC 101

  • General Sociology

  • 3
  An examination of the behavior of humans in social groups. Emphasis will be placed on concepts including culture, society, socialization, role, personality, institutions and social change. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.