Course Descriptions
EDUC 526 (formerly 871) INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (1 credit)
History of early childhood programs for children birth through age eight. Considers developmentally appropriate practice, Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, legal and ethical responsibilities and program expectations including portfolio development.
*Must be taken early (no later than the third course) in your program schedule.
EDUC 530 (formerly 872) MOVEMENT AND PLAY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD (2 credits)
Elements and characteristics of motor development and play and their roles in the growth and progress of children from birth through age 8. Assessment of individual stages of play and movement will form the basis for planning developmentally appropriate curricula and evaluation in these areas.
EDUC 552 (formerly 873) EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT I (2 credits)
Current philosophies, methodology and materials for facilitating health and physical development, social and emotional development, language and communication growth, cognition and effective approaches to learning in an inclusive, integrated setting. Emphasis on process skills while fostering foundational knowledge in all areas for children infant through age five.
EDUC 553 (formerly 874) EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT II (2 credits)
Development of competencies in planning, teaching, and evaluating the integrated curriculum for young children in the areas of health and physical development, social and emotional development, language development and communication, approaches to learning, and cognition and general knowledge in an inclusive, integrated setting. Examines process, ethics, and methods of observing, documenting and reporting children’s behavior, progress, and development.
EDUC 681 EMERGENT LITERACY PK-3 (3 credits)
The focus for this course is the literacy development of the PK through grade 3 child with applications to K-12 instruction. The course covers the developmental process of literacy acquisition and the use of appropriate methods, models, and strategies for encouraging its growth. The role of parents, the community, and assessment tools will be explored.
EDUC 557 (formerly 875) CREATIVE ARTS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN (2 credits)
Philosophy and role of creative drama, music, and art in early childhood education with emphasis on the creative activity as it relates to developmental stages in the child’s life. Focus on appreciation of the value and function of creativity and construction of developmentally appropriate curriculum.
EDUC 564 (formerly 877) FAMILY AND COMMUNITY IN ECE (2 credits)
A study of theoretical and practical problems in designing programs which take into consideration social, political, and economic characteristics and resources of communities. An emphasis is placed upon involvement of primary caregivers, parents, community resources, and social service agencies in the organization, operation, communication, management of behavior and learning environments as well as on evaluation of school-community relations.
EDUC 558 (formerly 876) INCLUSIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (2 credits)
Issues in behavior management, assessment of children, children at risk, early intervention programs, programs for children with special needs, nutrition, program and facility planning and evaluation as well as current trends.
This course is designed to provide an introduction and overview to best practices for creating inclusive settings for young children and their families, and for building partnerships with school and community resources. The purpose of this course is to help early childhood professionals develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions required to meet the needs of all children, with a specific focus on children with differing abilities. Issues addressed in this course include anti-bias perspectives; family-centered practices; state and federal laws pertaining to children with disabilities and their families; appropriate curriculum and assessment practices; typical and atypical child development including characteristics of physical, cognitive, and communicative disabilities, and behavior/social emotional disorders; and curriculum adaptations and strategies to meet the needs of children with differing abilities in school and community settings.
EDUC 581 (formerly 882) STUDENT TEACHING IN ECE (1-3 credits)
Teaching at pre kindergarten or kindergarten level integrating prior early childhood coursework through the preparation and delivery of developmentally appropriate instruction in a child-centered environment. Capstone experience typically completed in the final semester.
*Variable credit due to potential consideration by the program administrator of previous ECE classroom experience.
Total: 19 credits
Questions? Please contact Ruth Badciong at 608-796-3388 or rebadciong@viterbo.edu