Early Childhood Education

ECED 1130 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 4 Credits

Prerequisite: Compliance with current Ohio Administrative Code and the Bureau of Child Care Licensing and Monitoring – ODJFS requirements including BCI and FBI Background Check, etc.

This course introduces students to the Early Childhood professional field and its career opportunities through an exploration of the principles and ideas of quality environments and practices. Students will visit a variety of early childhood programs to observe and familiarize themselves with young children and the role of the early childhood educator. Students must complete a minimum of 10 hours of observation work in an early childhood program.

(4 contact hours)

ECED 1650 The Developing Child 3 Credits

This introductory course explores the early childhood development of children, birth to eight years with an emphasis on theoretical implications both historical and contemporary. It examines the physical, social, emotional, linguistic, and intellectual characteristics of children, both typical and atypical, as well as contextual influences that affect growth and development. Students will gain an introduction to skills and techniques for observing, recording, and assessing children’s behavior in a variety of early learning environments.

(3 contact hours)

ECED 1800 Early Childhood Foundations of Learning 4 Credits

Prerequisite: a grade of "C" or better in ECED 1130.

This course introduces an integrated approach to math, science, and social studies for both typical and atypical children in early childhood programs. The course focuses on teaching foundations in these content areas through a variety of means including literacy, physical, and creative activities while addressing all developmental domains. Students will engage in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences using a variety of instructional materials created by the student.

(4 contact hours)

ECED 2010 Professionalism: Building Relationships 3 Credits

This course focuses on enhancing skills and behaviors associated with team-building, partnerships, and professionalism. The Early Childhood Education professional will engage in reflective practices as they build a repertoire of skills for better communication, maintaining positivity, connecting with families, and creating a welcoming and respectful culture. Students will also discuss tips regarding looking and acting the part of a true professional. Teachers, administrators, and staff can learn how to handle difficult situations productively and engage in practices that promote positive experiences with other adults in the workplace.

(3 contact hours)

ECED 2110 Working with Families 3 Credits

This course explores the strategies and skills needed for establishing positive, collaborative relationships with families of young children in early childhood programs and successfully involving them in their child’s early education and care. Focus is on understanding the ecology of the child as well as community services, supports and agencies, the role of advocacy within the community, and developing sensitivity to diversity within family structure and culture. The course emphasizes communication skills as a means of establishing partnerships with families that are reciprocal, based on respect, and essentially enhance child development and learning.

(3 contact hours)

ECED 2120 Music and Movement in Early Childhood Education 3 Credits

Prerequisite: ECED 1130.

This course introduces students to theory, practice, and application through decision making processes within classroom communities, cultures, and disciplines. Students will develop a repertoire of teaching strategies and resources as well as reflect on their own musical experiences and how those impact their teaching. Students will engage in experiences that promote global aspects of music education including what music is, its value in life, and the impact it has on young children. The course will introduce and explore National Standards for Music Education as students begin to develop pedagogical aspects of music in education.

(3 contact hours)

ECED 2140 Early Childhood Curriculum - Integrated Learning 3 Credits

Prerequisite: ECED 1130, ECED 1650, ECED 1800; or permission of instructor.

This course specializes in an integrated approach to planning, preparing, and implementing early childhood curriculum to meet all developmental domains. Students will study curriculum planning and development in order to create lesson plans, unit plans, and other media that promote optimal learning experiences for young children. Additional focus will address formative assessment practices to enhance instructional approaches that meet the diverse needs of all children including those with special needs.

(3 contact hours)

ECED 2150 Language and Literacy Experiences 4 Credits

Prerequisite: ECED 1130, ECED 1800 and ECED 1650 or PSYC 2400 (for students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Program); or permission of instructor.

This specialized course focuses on activities and experiences that support early literacy development in young children. It explores language development, pre-reading, reading, pre-writing, and writing including current research and best practices.

(4 contact hours)

ECED 2220 Early Care and Education: The First Three Years of Life 3 Credits

Prerequisite: ECED 1130.

This specialized course explores developmentally appropriate activities, materials, and practices that enhance early care and education for the first three years of life. The course focuses on prime times for learning and language acquisition, high quality early environments, foundations for literacy, and the principles of working with diverse family cultures in a variety of early educational settings.

(3 contact hours)

ECED 2450 School-Age Child Care 3 Credits

This course offers participants opportunities to learn about school-age children and experiences that foster optimal growth and development in the child care setting. The focus includes the role of caregiver, characteristics of children (ages 5 – 12 years), their growth and development, as well as how to implement developmentally appropriate programs and create quality environments. The basis of this course emphasizes ethics, theories, community resources, and research-based practices for curriculum that aligns with national standards.

(3 contact hours)

ECED 2500 Leadership and Administration in Early Childhood Education 3 Credits

This specialized course addresses the professionalism, knowledge, and competencies needed for effective leadership of early care and education programs. Topics include planning, administering, managing, financing, staffing, and licensing early education programs. Students will explore current issues and public policies through the perspective of child advocacy, career pathways, and professional development within the early education field. The course also addresses state laws governing programs and ethical conduct in the profession.

(3 contact hours)

ECED 2800 Student Teaching Practicum and Seminar 4 Credits

Prerequisite: permission of Early Childhood Education program director, minimum 2.0 GPA, a grade of "C" or better in all ECED/EDUC courses, completion of all courses through the third semester in the curriculum guide.

This course is a supervised student teaching experience with young children of diverse ages (infancy to school-age), diverse abilities, and reflecting socially, culturally, and linguistically diverse family systems. It includes actual practicum experience in child guidance, assessment, teaching strategies, and overall operation of an early childhood education program. Students must spend a minimum of 14 hours student teaching in an assigned school placement and two hours in a college seminar each week of the semester.

(16 contact hours: 2 lecture, 14 clinical)

ECED 2840 Introduction to the Reggio Emilia Approach 3 Credits

Second-year standing in Early Childhood Education program, or graduate of ECE or related program, or permission of instructor. This course introduces students to the Reggio Emilia Approach to learning. Emergent curriculum, project exploration, creative art media, and cultural influences are issues the student will explore. The course also discusses portfolio assessment and documentation.

(3 contact hours)

ECED 2900 Special Topics in Early Childhood Education 1-3 Credits

These specialized courses provide in-depth examinations of Early Childhood Education topics and current issues not covered in detail elsewhere in the curriculum.

(1-3 contact hours)