Early Childhood Education

This course provides an overview of child development from prenatal through school age, including physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and identity/individual development. It integrates developmental theory with appropriate practices in a variety of early childhood care and education settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding the needs of the whole child and applying best practice. (Prerequisite: None) (4 Credits: 4 lecture/0 lab)

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4 cr

ECED1120

Health, Safety, and Nutrition

This course teaches the student how to establish and maintain a physically and psychologically safe and healthy learning environment for young children. Topics include preventing illness and accidents; handling emergencies; providing health, safety, and nutrition educational experiences; meeting children's basic nutritional needs; child abuse and current health-related issues. This course does not include CPR or first aid certification. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)

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3 cr

ECED1125

Child Abuse & Neglect

Community members are fundamental in identifying and reporting suspected cases of child maltreatment, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and psychological maltreatment. Early childhood staff including nannies and family childcare providers are involved in responding to child abuse and neglect and supplementing needed services. In addition, community-based agency staff, substance abuse treatment providers, domestic violence victim advocates, clergy, extended family members, and concerned citizens also play important roles in supporting families and keeping children safe. As a family childcare provider or nanny, your role as a mandated reporter will necessitate continuous observation, documentation, and support to all families in the care setting and in the community. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)

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3 cr

ECED1215

Infants and Toddlers

Through this course the student will become knowledgeable about the well-being, competence, good developmental outcomes and quality of life of infants, toddlers and their families. Students will be required to participate in a practicum experience working with young children for a portion of the semester/credit hours. Students will be required to observe multiple infant and toddler caregivers. (Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Child Development and Health, Safety, and Nutrition) (2 credits: 1 lecture, 1 lab)

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2 cr

ECED1225

Inspiring Play and Active Inquiry

This course provides an overview of mixed-age theory and development in early childhood settings. Students will integrate knowledge of developmental needs, developmentally appropriate environments, effective care giving and teaching strategies, and observation methods. Curriculum projects will be designed to incorporate activities for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children in large and small groups. Emphasis will integrate the unique abilities of the child while inspiring learning through play, curiosity, and active inquiry. Students will be required to participate in a practicum experience working with young children for a portion of the semester/credit hours. (Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Child Development and Health, Safety, and Nutrition) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)

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3 cr

ECED1232

Child Guidance

This course helps students explore physical and social environments that promote learning and development for young children. It includes an introduction to basic child guidance techniques for individual and group situations. Emphasis is on problem-prevention and positive guidance strategies including recognition, communication, limit-setting, problem-solving, and behavior modification. (Prerequisite: None) (4 credits: 4 lecture/0 lab)

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4 cr

ECED1236

Family Dynamics in a Multicultural Society

This course focuses on the role of early childhood staff in developing positive relationships with parents that enhance children's healthy growth and development. Working with children and families of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds is emphasized. Students compare child rearing practices and family structure of different cultures, explore parenting styles, family stress, building relationships between family, community, and schools, and identify methods of parent education. (Prerequisite: None) (2 credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)

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2 cr

ECED2370

Observing & Assessing Children's Development

This course presents students with a systematic plan for week-by-week documentation of each child's development in an early childhood setting. It presents instruction in the most common and useful recording techniques as well as a review of basic child development principles. Students will be required to participate in an approved early childhood setting for 64+ hours throughout the term with a minimum of five children (infant, toddler, 2 year old, 3 year old, and 4 year old) in order to complete weekly observations. (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)

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3 cr

24 crs

Total Credit Requirement - 32

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Early Childhood Development - Diploma

Estimated Costs for this Major

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Total Credit Requirement - 32