Early Childhood Endorsement Required Courses

EDUC 681:  Emergent Literacy PK-3 (3 credits): 

The focus of this course is the literacy development of the PK through grade 3 child. The course covers the developmental process of literacy acquisition and the use of appropriate methods, models, and strategies for encouraging literacy growth. Early literacy concepts of phonemic awareness, word identification, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension cultural and linguistic diversity, and language differences and delays are examined. The role of parents, community, and assessment tools will be explored.

EDUC 526 (formerly EDUC 871):  Introduction to Early Childhood (1 credit): 

This course is designed to examine various issues involved in the education of early childhood programs for children birth through age eight. We will consider developmentally appropriate practice, ethical responsibilities, NAEYC licensure standards, and program expectations.
 

EDUC 530 (formerly 872):  Movement and Play in Early Childhood (2 credits): 

This course examines the nature and value of play in the lives of children, birth through eight years of age in the areas of cognitive, social, communication, emotional, and physical development. Included in the course will be the role of the teacher during children’s play, and the planning for and assessment of play. Activities, songs, movements, and games that can be used in the Early Childhood Classroom will be an integral part of this course.

EDUC 552 (formerly 873):  Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment I (2 credits): 

Current philosophies, methodology and materials for facilitating and assessing young children’s health and physical development, social and emotional development, language and communication growth, cognition and effective approaches to learning in an inclusive, integrated setting.

EDUC 553 (formerly 874):  Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment II (2 credits): 

Development of competencies in ongoing assessment, planning, and implementation (teaching cycle) of curricular goals 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.  Prerequisite: Curriculum and Assessment I 

EDUC 557 (formerly 875):  Creative Arts for Young People (2 credits): 

This course examines the philosophy and role of creative drama, music and art in early childhood education with an emphasis on creative activity as it relates to developmental stages in the child’s life. It focuses on the appreciation of the value and function of creativity and construction of developmentally appropriate curriculum. Included in the course will be the role of the teacher in providing creative experiences for young children. Creative activities in art, music, dance and drama that can be used in an early childhood classroom will be an integral part of this course.

EDUC 564 (formerly 877):  Family and Community in ECE (2 credits): 

This course is 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 and 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): 

This course is designed to provide an introduction and overview of best practices in the education and care of young children in inclusive school and community settings. The purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions required of early childhood professionals to meet the needs of all children with differing abilities, engage in family-centered practices, participate on interdisciplinary collaborative teams, and identify community resources to support young children and their families.

Course study will include indicators of typical and atypical growth/learning in young children and the characteristics of delays/disorders in the area(s) of physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and communication areas of development; curriculum adaptations, modifications, and instructional strategies; federal and state special education laws as it relates to child/family rights, roles and responsibilities of professionals, and procedural processes for identification and provision of special education and related services.

EDUC 562 (formerly 853):  Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Education (3 credits): 

This course is designed to acquaint classroom teachers with the research based on skills in planning, implementing, and evaluating programming in early childhood education. Staff supervision and evaluation, in-service training and orientation, and harmonious working relationships, are other topics included in this course.

EDUC 569 (formerly 854):  Nutrition in Early Childhood Education (1 credit): 

This course is designed to acquaint classroom teachers with the research based on nutrition for early childhood education. Information presented will develop an understanding of safe, healthy nutritional needs of young children. There will be a focus on promoting, protecting, and providing good nutrition in early childhood.

EDUC 571 (formerly 855):  Field Experience Birth-24 Months (1 credit): 

Students will intern in a field experience at Birth through 24 months integrating prior early childhood coursework through the preparation of interdisciplinary units designed and delivered in a Birth through 24 months environment.  Effective April 30, 2012, we will no longer waive any Early Childhood Field Experiences.

EDUC 572 (formerly 856):  Field Experience 3-4 year olds (1 credit): 

Students will intern in a field experience with children 3-4 years of age integrating prior early childhood coursework through the preparation of interdisciplinary units designed and delivered within an environment of children 3-4 years of age.  Effective April 30, 2012, we will no longer waive any Early Childhood Field Experiences.

EDUC 574 (formerly 857):  Field Experience Kindergarten (1 credit): 

Students will intern in a field experience with Kindergarten children integrating prior early childhood coursework through the preparation of interdisciplinary units designed and delivered in a Kindergarten environment.  Effective April 30, 2012, we will no longer waive any Early Childhood Field Experiences.

EDUC 575 (formerly 858):  Field Experience Grade 1-3 (1 credit): 

Students will intern in a field experience in grade one, two, or three integrating prior early childhood coursework through the preparation of interdisciplinary units designed and delivered within an environment of children in grade 1-3.  Effective April 30, 2012, we will no longer waive any Early Childhood Field Experiences.