Early Childhood (ECED-UE)

It should be noted that independent study requires a minimum of 45 hours of work per point. Independent study cannot be applied to the established professional education sequence in teaching curricula. Each departmental program has established its own maximum credit allowance for independent study. This information may be obtained from a student?s department. Prior to registering for independent study, each student should obtain an Independent Study Approval Form from the adviser.

Introduction to the development of curriculum for young learners in diverse settings. Topics include: early childhood environments, linguistic and cultural diversity, early language and learning in family, school, and community settings, working collaboratively with families to create learning environments responsive to the needs of all children.

Exploring interconnections among the subject areas of early childhood learning through the planning and implementation of integrated sciences, health, and social studies learning experiences. The integration of literacy and mathematical learning into these curricula and the critical role of the physical environment in supporting an integrated curriculum.

Developing integrated curriculum by exploring the relationships among science, health, and social studies. Literacy and mathematical learning and the role of the environment will be included in the integrative planning.

This course explores theories, research, teaching methods, and policies related to the education of multilingual learners in early childhood education. Key topics explored include (1) Models and programs of bilingual and ENL (English as a New Language) education, and their evaluation in the literature; (2) teaching methods and strategies for multilingual learners in diverse classroom contexts (3) cultural, social, and political perspectives on language minority education and family/community engagement. Emphasis is on pedagogical implications of the above.

Introduction to the fields of early childhood education and early childhood special education. Topics include: historical, political, and economic contexts of early childhood and early childhood special education, philosophies and models of early childhood and early childhood special education, the role of the child in society, and the locations of institutions of early childhood learning.

An exploration of children’s literature and its role in classroom instruction, including an examination of the developmental needs and interests of children and the selection/evaluation of children’s books and media.

University supervised field experiences with young children in a variety of early childhood settings. Will be used to support coursework. Minimum weekly requirement of three half-day modules in the field.

One semester supervised student teaching in an early childhood classroom in grades N-6 a minimum of 180 hours within 20 days. Student teaching experiences will be used to support theoretical and practical applications of the planning and implementation of the curriculum. Participation is required in a weekly student teaching seminar which offers a practical examination of teaching problems and practices as they relate to actual classroom teaching.