BA in Early Childhood Education

Introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures and early childhood curriculum related to child health, safety and nutrition. The key components that ensure physical health, mental health and safety for both children and staff will be identified with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. Focus on integrating the concepts into everyday planning and program development for all children.

Examination of the development of social identities in diverse societies including theoretical and practical implications of oppression and privilege as they apply to young children, families, programs, classrooms and teaching. Various classroom strategies will be explored emphasizing culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches to support all children in becoming competent members of a diverse society. Course includes self-examination and reflection on issues related to social identity, stereotypes and bias, social and educational access, media and schooling. Three hours of field experience are required.

This course introduces students to the legal basis and research supporting inclusive services for young children who have disabilities. Students will examine a variety of disabilities and at-risk conditions and develop accommodations for serving them in the natural environment based on the child’s age (home, childcare, inclusive preschool). They will explore ways to collaborate with families and other professionals to improve educational outcomes for young children with exceptionalities, disabilities and/or the gifted. Students will identify a family who has a young child with a disability, observe that child across environments and interact with their family members and teachers. Five hours of field experience required.

This course focuses one understanding and implementing evidence- based practices for promoting children’s social and emotional development and preventing challenging behaviors. Students will examine the critical nature of emotional support and responsive relationships while creating a social and emotional development action plan based on self-assessments and data collection. Five hours of field experience is required.

In this course, students will enhance their understanding of language and literacy development and use this knowledge to develop lessons and activities that promote language and literacy development and skills. They will examine learning foundations or standards, which describe the knowledge and skills that young children can be expected to demonstrate at various age ranges and use these competencies to intentionally plan environments, activities and instruction. Five hours of field experience is required.

In this course, students will deepen their understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts through active inquiry exploration and analysis. Students will examine and integrate learning foundations or standards in science, engineering and mathematics. They will use their increased knowledge and understanding to intentionally plan environments and inquiries that promote mathematical and scientific learning for young children. Students will also learn to make developmentally based decisions about integrating technology for young children. Five hours of field experience is required.