7000

This course examines the historical, philosophical, and cultural roots of the Early Childhood movement and their influences on contemporary practices. Topics include the role of families in education, the teacher-parent relationship, and cultural and ethnic-sensitive teaching practices.

Course addresses early language development and teaching strategies, supporting literacy development for those working with students from birth to age 8.  The stages or oral and emergent language are addressed through language and literacy development.  Application of phonemic and alphabetic principle skills are addressed through hands-on assignments.  Other topics include lesson planning around early literacy that results in the development of an effective literacy environment.

A foundation course in theory and principles of development, from conception through age eight, and may include the pre-adolescent child. Topics include an in-depth study of physical, social/emotional, cognitive, language, and aesthetic development. Students will examine various theories, including Piaget, Erikson, Vygotsky, Skinner, and others. An exploration of development in the context of gender, family, culture, and society will be included, with an emphasis on implications for early childhood professional practice.

The emphasis of this course is on the role of positive child guidance in preparing young children to become competent and cooperative individuals. Developmentally appropriate methods of guiding children based on effective communication skills and problem solving will be shared along with strategies for preventing disruptive behaviors in the classroom.

This course focuses on the child in the context of family and community. Topic include issues of communication, diversity, professionalism, social policy and will address awareness and effective use of community resources.

Course examines theories of cognitive development as a framework for conceptualizing the way young children acquire scientific and mathematical skills, concepts, and abilities. Students will research and develop appropriate individual and group scientific/mathematical activities for young children.

Students will design, implement, and evaluate appropriate activities and environments for children from birth through age six with a focus on emergent literacy supported by music, movement, art, and dramatic play. Students will learn how children develop an understanding of the language processes of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Topics will also include vocabulary development and phonemic awareness. Practical application of various philosophies, theories, and current research in early childhood education will be emphasized.

This course is an overview of children with exceptional cognitive, physical, social, and emotional characteristics. Students will analyze the developmental and educational needs imposed by exceptionality. Topics include identification, intervention strategies, methods, and programs designed to meet the needs of these children, including those identified as being learning disabled. Applicable federal and state laws and requirements will be also be addressed.