Course Descriptions

ECE 110 - Seminar for Early Childhood Care Givers
This course focuses on professional development for the early childhood care giver. It provides a comprehensive study of the current opportunities for professional development, examination of state and national standards and requirements, identification of roles and settings within the early care and education field, and will lead to the design of an individualized plan for each care giver to follow for career advancement. 1 Credit.

ECE 130 - Field Work Child Care Practitioner I
Students in this course will have the opportunity to receive hands on group experience in licensed child care centers or Head Start facilities. Weekly meetings with experienced education instructors will coincide with curriculum for ECE 150 and ECE 151. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite(s): ECE 150 and ECE 151.

ECE 150 - Exploring Early Care and Education
This course will lay the foundation for understanding the field of early childhood education. Child development pre-birth through age 8 will be discussed. Participants will gain an understanding of how to arrange a safe, healthy learning environment, while focusing on a child's social emotional well being. Supportive guidance techniques will be addressed, as well as observation and assessment skills, in addition to the value and importance of play in children's lives. 3 Credits.

ECE 151 - Developmentally Appropriate Practice for Young Children
This course examines the foundations of early childhood education, as well as the development of children’s physical, cognitive, communication and creative skills. Particular emphasis is placed on children with special needs, and the early childhood teacher’s role. Anti-Bias curriculum will be explored as a function of student, teacher and family interaction. 3 Credits.

ECE 152 - Early Childhood Quality Practices for Professionals
This course addresses three key components of practice in the field of early care and education: program management, working with families and professionalism. Students will engage in critical thinking on issues plaguing the field as they participate in practical exercises for direct application to their work with children and families. 3 Credits.

ECE 200 - Developing Early Literacy
This course examines emotional, socio-cultural and cognitive influences on early literacy development, and explores twelve essential concepts related to early reading success through a collaborative learning approach. 3 Credits.

ECE 230 - Field Work Child Care Practitioner II
Students in this course will have the opportunity to receive hands on group experience in licensed child care centers or Head Start facilities. Weekly meetings with experienced education instructors will coincide with curriculum for ECE 152. 3 Credits.

Prerequisite: ECE 152.

ECE 250 - Infant and Toddler Development
This course is designed for individuals who are currently working in early care and education programs, students who are interested in a career involving children and families, and students who are or will be parents. The instructor’s role in this class is to provide a theoretical framework, activities and assignments for students to utilize in developing understanding, knowledge and skills in working with infants and toddlers. 3 Credits.

ECE 251 - Family and Culture
This course is designed to provide a cross cultural perspective focusing on very young children from birth to age 3. Students will engage in-depth research that seeks to uncover insight on topics ranging from guidance and discipline, feeding routines, toilet learning, development of self-esteem, inter-and intra-cultural communication, and group and individual identity. Embedded with in the course are examinations of the impact of class, race and gender on family systems and global communities. 3 Credits.

ECE 290 - Independent Study
See the Department Chairperson. Variable Credit.