This course introduces students to developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Explores teaching strategies and curriculum development based on theoretical frameworks, observation, and assessment. Emphasizes the teacher's role in supporting development and learning across the curriculum, including all content areas.

This introductory course examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Interactions between biological processes and environmental factors will be explored. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories. The course will also examine cultural, economic, political, and historical contexts that impact children's development.

This course introduces the historical context and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children, birth through age eight. The typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators are explored and professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards will be identified. Best practices for providing developmentally an appropriate learning environment, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development are introduced. The importance of race and ethnicity in the context of culture and the need to support diverse cultures of young children in the programs will be analyzed.

This course introduces the process of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. The course will also examine the influence of multiple societal contexts and explore the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children's development, birth through adolescence.

This course examines the impact of various societal influences on the development of children's social identity. Students encounter that diversity is a major cultural trait of the United States, and recognize that schools reflect the societal makeup of our country. The course includes an identification of the main differences and similarities among various cultural groups and those of the mainstream culture.

This course is designed to give educators and other caregivers an overview of children with exceptional characteristics. The main emphasis of this course is to provide an introduction to the broad span of children with exceptional characteristics and to the field of special education. Cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and linguistic practices that can impede parent involvement will be examine and students will be taught to identify ways school personnel can help families understand school culture, policies, and practices. Students will be introduced to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related laws and regulations that impact special education and support programs and learn basic classroom management theories and strategies for individuals with exceptional learning needs.

This course focuses on the appropriate use of a variety of assessment and observation strategies to document child development and behavior. Under supervision, field experience students will develop their skills of observation and analyze teacher/child interaction.

This course demonstrates developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of Early Childhood Education (ECE) faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Reflective practice will be emphasized as student-teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. Students will explore career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities.

This course provides an introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in both care and education settings for children, from birth through middle childhood. The key components that ensure physical health, mental health, and safety for both children and staff will be identified, along with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. This course focuses on integrating the concepts taught into everyday planning and program development.

This course provides current information and practice of language arts and literature experiences for young children. It explores experiences which support and extend children’s ability to use language as a means of communication, medium of creative expression, and tool in the development of logical thought. It also provides a foundation for the child’s early literacy. Students will learn to use poetry, puppetry, flannel board material, storytelling, and children’s literature as tools to support pre-reading and pre-writing skills.

This course is designed for selected students interested in furthering their knowledge of early childhood education on an independent basis. Students will be involved in research, lab experience, and field work.