Early Childhood Education Courses

ECE 529 - Wkshp Early Childhood Ed
Hours: 1-6
Workshop in Early Childhood Education. Three to six semester hours. (Same as ElEd 529) Content and credit hours vary. May be graded on a satisfactory (S) and unsatisfactory (U) basis.

ECE 535 - Math Science and Social Studies Curriculum
Hours: 3
A study of the content, methods, and theory appropriate for extending learnings in math, science and social studies. Emphasis is placed upon formulating programs which extend and integrate the learning experiences of young children. Pre- Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, and 3.

ECE 536 - Literacy Development in the Early Years
Hours: 3
Study of the acquisition and development of language in the early childhood years with emphasis on the content, methods and theory, appropriate for extending learnings in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, and 3.

ECE 537 - Creative Expression in the Art
Hours: 3
Creative Expression in the Arts. Three semester hours. Study of the theory, content, and practice of integrating the performing arts into the curriculum design and the learning environments. Emphasis is placed on aesthetic development of young children through play, movement, music, visual art and creative dramatics.

ECE 538 - Clsrm Management Tchrs
Hours: 3
Classroom Management for Teachers. Three semester hours. A study of current theories and practices of classroom management and discipline in early childhood, elementary, and middle school settings.

ECE 548 - Dsgn Inquiry-Based Lrng
Hours: 3
The focus of this class is to investigate the inquiry approach to learning with emphasis of designing instruction in which specific explorations and activities of children arise from their own questions and lead to true engagement in the learning process. The curriculum and practices of the schools of Reggio Emilia, Itlay will be examined as an exemplary model.

ECE 560 - Early Child Curric Design
Hours: 3
Early Childhood Curriculum Design. Three semester hours. Overview of curriculum development in all subject matter areas in early childhood education. Emphasis is placed upon the investigation of theoretical influences on early childhood education- Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1,2,3.

ECE 561 - Child Development
Hours: 3
Child Development - Three semester hours This course is a study of the principles and theories of child growth and development in early childhood education. Course content centers on the physical, cognitive, affective, and social development domains. Students will be required to observe the development of a young child outside of the classroom in order to complete a comprehensive child study project.

ECE 566 - ECE: Learning Environments and Instructional Design
Hours: 3
This course provides knowledge and practice in designing developmentally appropriate learning environments and instructional design with the use of technological and other tools/materials to advance learning for children in prekindergarten through the primary grades. Students will investigate the relationship between the classroom environment and instructional planning for young children.

ECE 567 - Prof Dev Prac in ECE
Hours: 3
Professional Development Practicum in early Childhood Education - Three semester hours. Students develop professional skills related to a specialty practice in the field of early childhood education. This practicum provides field based experiences to develop and demonstrate competency in the professional development certificate sought. May be repeated when topics vary. Graded on a satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) basis. Prerequisites: approval by an advisor to complete a professional development certificate program.

ECE 575 - Advocacy & Collaboration
Hours: 3
Advocacy, Family, & Community Collaboration - Three semester hours An emphasis on helping early childhood professionals develops skills and insights to work effectively with parents and the community. To provide opportunities for professionals, families and the community to build effective communication systems and a supportive infrastructure. Early childhood professionals will become knowledgeable of social issues, educational reform and public policy that influence families and their young children. 3 semester hours credit. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

ECE 589 - Independent Study
Hours: 1-4
Independent Study in Early Childhood Education. One to four semester hours. (Same as ElEd 589) Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated when the topic varies. Prerequisite: Consent of department head.

ECE 597 - Special Topics
Hours: 0-4
Special Topic: Early Childhood Education. One to four semester hours. (Same as ElEd 597) Organized Class. May be graded on a satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) basis. May be repeated when the topic varies.

ECE 634 - History and Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
Hours: 3
This course is the study of the history and philosophy of early childhood education and related movements. The focus will be on the impact of past and present early childhood educational philosophies on programs for young children. This course will examine the major theories of early childhood education and the writings of historical contributors whose works have influenced modern early childhood educational thought. Prerequisite: Doctoral Standing

ECE 648 - Leadership in Early Childhood Education
Hours: 3
This seminar in organizational theory for professionals who work in early childhood education will focus on program administration, child advocacy, and public policy. This is a study of the policy making processes and procedure that impact children, families, and communities. The course provides for the development of skills needed to be effective leaders in early childhood education. Prerequisite: Doctoral Standing.

ECE 659 - Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education
Hours: 3
This course provides an opportunity to explore the critical trends and issues being debated within the field of early childhood education. Topics will be examined through historical and contemporary theory and practices with emphases on themes linked to policy and advocacy. This study will offer a better understanding of current trends and develop the skills needed to critique ideas and issues surrounding early education. Prerequisite: Doctoral Standing

ECE 663 - Seminar in Research in Early Childhood Education
Hours: 3
This course provides students with an opportunity for an in-depth examination of research in early childhood education. They will review theoretical and empirical early childhood research literature. Students will critically examine a variety of relevant research. Topics in the field and share their finding in the seminar. Prerequisite: Doctoral Standing

ECE 675 - Parent Partnerships and Family Literacy
Hours: 3
An emphasis on the needs, values and avenues for partnerships with families and an analysis of varied definitions of family literacy and research on family literacy including: examination of the ways literacy is used within families, programs that are designed to involve and inform parents about activities that will promote their children’s literacy, and intergenerational literacy initiatives. Programs designed to improve the literacy development of both adults and children will be connected to implications for reading instruction and the creation of reciprocal partnerships with parents. Prerequisite: Doctoral Standing

ECE 682 - Assessment in Early Childhood Education
Hours: 3
This course provides a comprehensive and critical review of early childhood assessment practices and the research that supports these practices. Participants will determine the uses, characteristics, interpretation, and limitation of a variety of formal and informal measures. Participants will engage in a variety of activities to help them become knowledgeable consumers of assessment and screening measures used in early childhood programs to assist teachers in making sound instructional decisions. Prerequisite: Doctoral Standing

ECE 689 - Independent Study
Hours: 1-4
Independent Study in Early Childhood Education Hours: One to four Individualized instruction/research at an advanced level in a specialized content area under the direction of a faculty member. Prerequisite: Consent of department head. Note: May be repeated when the topic varies

ECE 697 - Special Topics
Hours: 1-4
An organized class delivered with a seminar format around a specialized topic or content area within the field of Early Childhood Education Prerequisite: Doctoral level standing or consent of the instructor Note: May be repeated when topics vary