2006-07 Catalog Archive (Archived July 31, 2006)

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Course Descriptions

EDU100
Child Development
An overview of typical growth and development of young children from birth to age eight. Cognitive, language, physical growth, gross and fine motor, emotional and social developmental milestones are the focus of this course, with a special emphasis on the implications they have for the care and education of young children. Other topics include an introduction to the basic concepts of major developmental theories; principles of learning and development; and developmentally appropriate practice. A strong focus on a family-centered approach is integrated throughout the course. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)

EDU101
Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Survey of the historical and theoretical aspects of the field of early childhood education. Topics include societal attitudes; economic, political and legislative factors; related careers and professional behaviors; early care and education programs and settings; technology; and parent, family, and community collaborations as relating to young children, birth through age eight. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Corequisite(s): EDU100.

EDU111
Introduction to Education
Study of the foundations of education-historical, economical, philosophical and social-and their implications for education today. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) As needed.

EDU121
Children's and Young Adult Literature
Comprehensive survey of children's and young adult literature, providing a basic knowledge and understanding of a diverse group of authors, illustrators, and genres. Discussion/participation covers trade books, classics, award-winning books, and culturally diverse books geared toward children and young adults. Course work is designed to assist future teachers, parents, and caregivers in developing a more comprehensive, creative, and insightful utilization of literary materials with emphasis on recognizing the primary characteristics of the best in children's books. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Spring Only.

EDU125
Methods and Materials for Early Childhood Education I
Exploration of teaching methods and materials used for the early childhood classroom, with an introduction to the lesson planning process for individuals and for small and large group activities. Emphasis on motor, emotional, social, and intellectual development with concentration on planning emotional and motor activities. Course work includes planning and developing art, music, movement, dramatic play, sensory, fine/gross motor, and field trip activities for young children. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU100 and EDU101. Spring Only.

EDU201
Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Early Childhood
Study of the specific health and hygiene concerns of early childhood. Discussion includes common childhood diseases, chronic illnesses, disorders, and conditions, with emphasis on identification and management within an early childhood setting. Additional topics include assisting young children in the development of personal hygiene, safety skills, and nutrition education. State licensing regulations and community service agencies in health, safety, and nutrition will be examined. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU100. Spring Only.

EDU210
Observation and Communication with Young Children
Methodologies for observing and recording the behavior of young children based on accepted developmental theories. Emphasis on the interaction between various theories of communication and the process of child development. Exploration of positive guidance methods and their relationship to how children develop self-control. Designed to familiarize students with a broad range of communication techniques and to emphasize the mastery of positive communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, in guiding young children's behavior. Course work includes using methods such as class list logs, anecdotal records, checklists, running records, rating scales, time samples, frequency charts, and work samples to develop a child's portfolio. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU100. Fall Only.

EDU225
Methods and Materials for Early Childhood Education II
Introduces various curricula planning approaches: High-Scope, emergent, and thematic unit. Explores teaching methods and materials used for the early childhood classroom. Methodology focuses upon social, emotional, motor, and intellectual development with content including social and cognitive activities, mathematics, science, and language arts. The development of a unit plan is focused on an integrated, theme approach. Activities and instructional equipment include games, field trips, stories, and AV equipment. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU100 and EDU125. Fall Only.

EDU230
Young Children with Special Needs
Introductory exploration of the cognitive, communication, emotional, social, motor and adaptive/self-help needs of young children (ages birth to eight) with disabilities, developmental delays or "at risk" populations. Topics include adaptive methods, early intervention services, assessment, inclusionary practices, available resources, the Individualized Family Service Program/Plan (IFSP) and the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU100 and EDU125 and EDU210. Spring Only.

EDU256
Early Childhood Practicum
Supervised fieldwork experience in an approved early care and education program to promote integration of theoretical knowledge into practice, expand awareness of diversity in children and families, support development of the whole child, provide for appropriate interaction with parents and other professionals, and develop professional skills. Course work includes 225 "direct-contact" hours in addition to participation in eight bi-weekly, two-hour seminar meetings. Bi-weekly seminar meetings allow students to analyze concerns, issues, and successes, while developing strategies for improving instructional competence. Permission of the instructor per the following criteria: 1) successful completion of EDU100, EDU101, EDU125, EDU201, EDU210, EDU225, EDU268, with a cumulative average of at least a 2.5 for these courses; 2) completion of ENL111, ENL201 or ENL121, PSY111, PSY210 with a cumulative average of at least 2.5 for these courses; 3) completion of FIT204, First Aid Responding to Emergencies, with an earned "C" or better OR documentation of American Red Cross training in Standard First Aid and documentation of successful completion of CPR classes with a valid current provider card; 4) completion of a standard basic health appraisal form (prior to starting date); and 5) receipt of Children's Services Protection Act 33 and/or Act 34 clearances prior to starting date. 3 Credits (0 Lecture - 15 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU100 and EDU125 and EDU201 and EDU210 and EDU225 and EDU268 and ENL111 and ENL201 and FIT204 and PSY210 or EDU100 and EDU125 and EDU201 and EDU210 and EDU225 and EDU268 and ENL111 and ENL121 and FIT204 and PSY210.

EDU262
Language Arts in Early Childhood Education
Comprehensive exploration of young children's communicative processes: listening, speaking, reading and writing. A balanced literary approach is emphasized. Course work includes designing language arts activities that support a language-rich environment while facilitating language growth in infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young school-age children. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU100. Spring Only.

EDU264
Anti-Bias Curriculum
Focused study of the "anti-bias" philosophy, which promotes attitudes of respect and acceptance within an inclusionary atmosphere of diversity--an approach deemed critical to providing developmentally appropriate programming for young children and their families. Emphasis on curriculum planning, evaluation and selection of materials, design of a responsive environment, evaluation of strategies and interactions of adults, decision-making processes, and provision of positive family relationships. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU125. As needed.

EDU266
Thinking Skills/Math and Science for Early Childhood Education
Examination of the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Kamii and others about the cognitive development of the child. Emphasis on designing developmentally appropriate and sequential activities to put theories into practice with young children, birth to age eight. Additional focus on incorporating math and science into everyday play and care-giving routines. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU125. As needed.

EDU268
Methods and Materials for Infants and Toddlers
This course examines appropriate caregiver strategies, materials and activities for young infants (birth-8 months), mobile infants (9 months-17 months), and toddlers (18 months-36 months) and their families. A theoretical approach structures the educational practices and methodology employed in the functional areas as defined by the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). Students will design materials, activities, and strategies that are useful and appropriate with infants and toddlers. Appropriate documented life experience can be used to substitute for course prerequisites if approved by the advisor. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU100 or PSY210 or PSY203. Fall Only.

EDU269
Developing Emotional and Social Competence in Young Children
Exploration of self-concept theories and empirical evidence. Discussion/practice includes applying theoretical concepts in everyday interactions with children. Designed to help students develop strategies that positively contribute to the child's sense of self. (Formerly EDU267) 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU100. As needed.

EDU280
Early Childhood Program Management
Exploration of national and state standards and current initiatives in areas that impact early childhood licensing, accreditation, curriculum, and program resources. Topics presented from the perspective of a program director include program planning, staff supervision, professional development, pedagogical practices, external and internal communication, advocacy, and support of children and their families. Does not satisfy elective requirements for AAS degree in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits (3 Lecture - 0 Lab)

EDU356
Early Childhood Director Practicum
This course is a supervised fieldwork experience in an assigned early care and education facility, under the direction of an approved early childhood administrator. Through direct experiences with the children, families, staff and support personnel, the experiences are designed to integrate theoretical knowledge into practice and further develop professional skills as a manager and administrator. Course requirements include 115 in-field hours and participation in 16 hours of seminar meetings. Seminar meetings may be conducted in whole or in part on the internet and students will be required to have access to technology. Completion of a basic health appraisal form and current Act 33 and Act 34 clearances are required before enrolling in this course. This course cannot be used to satisfy elective requirements for the A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits (0 Lecture - 15 Lab) Prerequisite(s): EDU256 and HSR240. Corequisite(s): EDU280.