Requirements & Courses

Introduction to the early childhood profession, the nature of the profession, including its philosophical, historical and social foundations and current contextual influences (e.g., demographic and policy influences). Familiarization with various types and models of early childhood programs. Includes discussion of characteristics of developmentally appropriate practice. Learn and apply guidelines for the organization and administration of early childhood programs. Required for Early Childhood Endorsement. Winter only.

Examination of physical, cognitive, social, emotional and other types of development in infancy and early childhood. Addresses the development of children with special needs and linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. Students complete 30 hours of field placement in an early childhood setting. Required for Early Childhood Endorsement. Fall only.

Emphasizes the critical role of family-school partnerships in ensuring children’s well-being and academic success. Introduction to historical roles of the family and community in early childhood education. Discussion of barriers to family involvement as well as effects of successful family participation. Addresses various types of family involvement and best practice guidelines associated with each type. Explores models for involving communities as partners in children’s care and education. Required for Early Childhood Endorsement. May include a service learning component. Winter only.

A framework for understanding how infants and toddlers grow and learn. Developmentally appropriate curricula and materials will be examined. Required for Early Childhood Endorsement. Fall only.

Preparation for planning and facilitating developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children in the content areas of language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, health and safety. Techniques for adapting instruction to culturally diverse learners and those with handicapping conditions. Preparation in appropriate management and guidance techniques, and designing appropriate physical environments and schedules for young children. Students practice integrating systematic observation of young children’s behavior with instructional design and assessment and program evaluation techniques. Students learn techniques for working cooperatively with families in the care and education of their children and with community services and referral procedures for children. Includes a 30-hour practicum in an early childhood site. Required for Early Childhood Endorsement. Classroom placement included. Fall only.

Directed teaching experience of 280 hours in an early childhood setting under the guidance of a professional early childhood educator. Under guidance of cooperating teacher, students work effectively with parents as partners in their children’s education. Students in the Directed Teaching course regularly reflect on and evaluate their experience with a College Field Instructor. Junior or senior year. Must apply for student teaching by November 15 of junior year and be approved prior to beginning ECE student teaching. Pass/Fail only. Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer.