Early Childhood

Survey of early childhood education theories and principles and the alternative settings available for the care and education of young children. Emphasis on defining program quality as it pertains to developmentally appropriate care and other characteristics of the child care environment. Lecture/projects/field assignments and/or observations.

An introduction to methods of making behavioral records of young children, both as clinical tools in a "helping" relationship and as guides for curriculum planning of teachers. Lecture/projects/field assignments and/or observations.

The complex process of development in the human infant from conception to three years of age. Physical, social, cognitive, and emotional areas with suggestions for activities to promote optimal infant development. Lecture/projects/field assignments and/or observations.

An introduction to activities suitable for young children and to ways of using activities to foster physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth. Lesson planning is taught and practiced.

Explores the need for and skills necessary for a partnership between parents, human service workers, and educators. Teaches skills of effective listening, confrontation, problem solving, modification of the environment, and values clarification. Lecture/projects/field assignments and/or observations.

An overview of Language Development Guidelines - birth through school age years. Normal development guidelines of speech and language and important effects of language development on the mastery of reading, spelling, writing and school subjects. For those who work with a pre-school age population. Lecture/projects/field assignments and/or observations.

Demonstration of competencies learned, written documentation and participation in an early education seminar. Practical experience through a minimum of 225 hours of supervised work. (Students who are employed in a state-approved early childhood education setting have the option of preparing for CDA application). Prerequisites: A grade of C or higher in ECED 1120 and either ECED 1130 or 1140, and instructor's consent.