Early Childhood Education (ECE)
ECE102 Theory and Practice II Pre-K 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE209 and ECE209B )
The third in a sequence of courses with a practicum co-requisite designed to assist students gaining experience working with young children in a laboratory or qualified preschool setting. The various roles of early childhood educators, assisting with daily activities in a preschool program, observation/assessment, and guidance techniques are included in the course curriculum. The intellectual and emotional developmental domains are emphasized. Lesson plans are developed and implemented with small groups.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE102B Practicum III Pre-K 2 credits
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE209 and ECE209B ), or instructor consent
Third in a sequence of Practicum courses. Taken concurrently with ECE 102 this practicum is designed to assist students in gaining experience working with young children in a laboratory or qualified preschool setting The various roles of the early childhood educator, assisting with various daily activities in a preschool program, observation/assessment, and guidance techniques are included in the course curriculum. The intellectual and emotional developmental domains are emphasized. Lessons plans are developed and implemented with small groups.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE130 Social Emotional Learning in Early Childhood 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
This course examines social-emotional development in early childhood with an emphasis on universal, developmentally appropriate practices that promote emotional well-being, belonging, and engagement. Students explore how classroom interactions, routines, and learning experiences support emotional literacy, social understanding, and cooperative skills. Attention is also given to the professional responsibilities and emotional demands of early childhood educators as they support children’s social-emotional development.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE140 Contemporary American Families 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( WR121Z )
An introductory course in marriage and family studies that focuses on the diversity of the American family today, with an overview of relationships and changes in the family environment and structure over time. Theoretical perspectives on family are examined, and topics that influence families are included, such as violence, gender, divorce, remarriage, economics, and culture. This course also focuses on how teachers and others who work in especially early-learning environments may learn and apply practices that empower parents and children and maximize learning opportunities.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE150 Introduction and Observation in ECE 4 credits (4 lec hrs/wk)
A beginning course focusing on the theoretical foundations, history and basic concepts of early childhood education. The value and usage of objective observations as a teaching tool are emphasized. This course focuses on an introduction to the education of infant-toddler, preschoolers, and children in Kindergarten through third grade.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE151 Guidance and Classroom Management 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
This course introduces students to the principles of positive guidance, emphasizes the role of the teacher, and the use of direct and indirect techniques for individual and group guidance and management. Topics include observing children, managing behavior, building prosocial behaviors, and helping young children develop in the social and emotional domains.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: LDC
ECE152 Creative Activities in ECE 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
A practical curriculum course focusing on understanding and implementing a developmental approach to creative activities. Emphasis is on integrating curriculum across the teaching disciplines. Specifically, this course teaches students how to develop creative art, music, drama, and movement curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: LDC
ECE154 Children's Language and Lit Dev 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Students will learn how young children develop literacy and language skills. Students will explore how to develop strategies for teaching language acquisition and literacy skill development at each developmental stage through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Quality children's literature, ways to implement its use, and ways to evaluate its appropriateness for young children are discussed.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: LDC
ECE161 Theory and Practice I Inf/Tod 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE263 ), or instructor consent
Corequisite(s): ( ECE161B )
The second in a sequence of courses with a practicum co-requisite designed to assist students in gaining experience working with very young children in a laboratory or qualified infant/toddler setting. The various roles of the early childhood educator, assisting with various daily activities in an infant/toddler program, observation/assessment, and guidance techniques are included in the course curriculum. The physical and social domains are emphasized.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE161B Practicum II Inf/Tod 2 credits (6 lab hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
Corequisite(s): ( ECE161 )
Second in a sequence of Practicum courses. Taken concurrently with ECE 161 this practicum is designed to assist students in gaining experience working with infants and/or toddlers in a laboratory or qualified preschool setting The various roles of the early childhood educator, assisting with various daily activities in a program, observation/assessment, and guidance techniques are included in the course curriculum. The physical and social domains are emphasized.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE162 Theory and Practice II Inf/Tod 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE161 and ECE161B ), or instructor consent
Corequisite(s): ( ECE162B )
The third in a sequence of courses with a practicum co-requisite designed to assist students gaining experience working with very young children in a laboratory or qualified infant/toddler setting. The various roles of early childhood educators, assisting with daily activities in an infant/toddler program, observation/assessment, and guidance techniques are included in the course curriculum. The intellectual and emotional developmental domains are emphasized. Lessons plans are developed and implemented with small groups.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE162B Practicum III Inf/Tod 2 credits (6 lab hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE161 and ECE161B ), or instructor consent
Corequisite(s): ( ECE162 )
Second in a sequence of Practicum courses. Taken concurrently with ECE 209 this practicum is designed to assist students in gaining experience working with young children in a laboratory or qualified preschool setting The various roles of the early childhood educator, assisting with various daily activities in a preschool program, observation/assessment, and guidance techniques are included in the course curriculum. The physical and social domains are emphasized.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE163 Environments and Guidance in ECE 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE150 ), or instructor consent
The first in a sequence of courses with a practicum co-requisite designed to assist students in gaining experience working with young children in a laboratory or qualified preschool setting. Students gain experience identifying developmentally appropriate learning environments, completing observations and assessments, identifying and practicing guidance strategies, planning, and evaluating environments appropriate for the young child.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: LDC
ECE163B Practicum I ECE 2 credits (6 lab hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE150 ), or instructor consent
First in a sequence of Practicum courses. Taken concurrently with ECE 163 this practicum is designed to assist students in gaining experience working with young children in a laboratory or qualified preschool setting. Students gain experience identifying developmentally appropriate learning environments, completing observations and assessments, identifying and practicing guidance strategies, planning and evaluating environments appropriate for the young child.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE170 Health and Safety Early Childhood 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
This course covers health/safety practices recommended for the early childhood field and includes information on common diseases, health, and nutrition. Completion of First Aid & CPR for Infants and Children, and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Certification are required to pass this course.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: LDC
ECE180 Internship: Early Childhood Ed 1-9 credits (3 lab hrs/wk/cr)
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
Practical on-site experience that will allow students to explore early childhood education in workplace environments and career options.
This course may be taken 9 times for credit.
Course classification: LDC
ECE209 Theory and Practice I Pre-K 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE163 and ECE163B )
The second in a sequence of courses with a practicum co-requisite designed to assist students in gaining experience working with young children in a laboratory or qualified preschool setting. The various roles of the early childhood educator, assisting with various daily activities in a preschool program, observation/assessment, and guidance techniques are included in the course curriculum. The physical and social developmental domains are emphasized.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE209B Practicum II Pre-K 2 credits (6 lab hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE163 and ECE163B ), or instructor consent
Second in a sequence of Practicum courses. Taken concurrently with ECE 209 this practicum is designed to assist students in gaining experience working with young children in a laboratory or qualified preschool setting The various roles of the early childhood educator, assisting with various daily activities in a preschool program, observation/assessment, and guidance techniques are included in the course curriculum. The physical and social domains are emphasized.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE222 Family Relations 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
A practical and theoretical course examining the traditional and evolving roles and functions of families in the 21st century. Topics include cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity, supporting families at risk, creating professional alliances with families, and communicating and collaborating with families. Emphasis is placed on understanding how the family affects the development of children aged 0 – 8.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE225 Infant & Toddler Development 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
This course covers principles of theory and development beginning with conception through three years of age. Emphasis is placed on the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development of the young child, including a strong focus on early brain development. The course readings and discussions will focus on typical development with an introduction to atypical development. Caregiving, teaching, and practice-based strategies with young children are introduced.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE227 Parents as Partners in Education 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Collaborative family partnerships are a key to success in early childhood programs. Course topics highlight formal and informal communication with parents and the community, and how to be culturally-responsive within these relationships. Students will learn practical strategies for partnering with families and the community to support, enhance, and maximize the quality of care and education of young children. Focus will be on acquiring the critical skills teachers need to establish effective, productive relationships with the families and in the community where they teach.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE229 Development in Middle Childhood 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
This course will include the study of growth and development in children ages six through adolescence. Emphasis will be placed on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE230 Scientific Exploration In Early Childhood 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
This course introduces students to developmentally appropriate approaches for teaching science to young children from infancy through the early childhood years. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-based learning, hands-on exploration, and the role of play in supporting children’s scientific thinking. Students examine core early childhood science concepts and practices, including observation, questioning, and problem-solving, with particular attention to the use of natural materials and outdoor environments as contexts for learning.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE240 Lesson and Curriculum Planning 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Students will be introduced to various approaches to planning early childhood curriculum to meet the whole child’s development. The course will review existing curriculum models, and students will develop theme based curriculum, units, lesson plans, and assessments in math, science, and social studies for young children.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE261 Student Teaching Pre-K 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE102 ), or instructor consent
The fourth and final in a sequence of courses with a practicum co-requisite designed to assist students gaining experience working with young children in a laboratory or qualified preschool setting. Continued development of knowledge and skills in curriculum planning and implementation, observation/assessment if children in all four domains, and working with children and families are included. Self-assessment and evaluation are a primary focus.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE261B Practicum IV Pre-K 3 credits (9 lab hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent
Final in a sequence of Practicum courses. Taken concurrently with ECE 261 this practicum is designed to assist students in gaining experience working with young children in a laboratory or qualified preschool setting. Continued development of knowledge and skills in curriculum planning and implementation, observation/assessment if children in all four domains, and working with children and families are included. Self-assessment and evaluation are a primary focus.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
ECE285 Professional Issues in Early Childhood Education 3 credits (3 lec hrs/wk)
Prerequisite(s): ( ECE261 ), or instructor consent
This Childhood Education capstone course focuses on the diverse professional roles of early childhood educators in our present society by offering knowledge of ethics, conflict resolution, leadership, advocacy, and current topics in early childhood education.
This course may be taken 1 time for credit.
Course classification: CTE
