Courses

This course will review the historical perspectives and current foundations of the early childhood profession. The nature and design of early childhood programs for children birth to age eight will be explored. The developmental continuum and the role of the educator in promoting children's development in all domains will be presented. Trends and issues in early childhood education will be discussed. (3 units; As offered and Online)

This course will examine family, community, societal, and cultural influences on children's schooling and learning and explore ways to create partnerships to support families and children. Emphasis is on the development of strategies for integrating family members and community resources into the learning process and addressing and overcoming barriers to partnerships. (3 units; As offered and Online)

This course will explore the early childhood administrator's role in staff development and human relations, including recruitment, hiring, retaining, training supporting and evaluation of personnel. This course will examine the importance of developing a program philosophy as well as the multi-level functions of supervision with an emphasis on understanding teacher development and reflective practice. (3 units; As offered and Online)

This course will review significant research and theory regarding language acquisition and literacy skills in the early childhood period. Current instructional and assessment strategies for early literacy and language development in young children, including the bilingual child, will be explored. Techniques for involving and educating families will be investigated. (3 units; As offered and Online)

This course reviews theory and critical research relating to prenatal development through age eight. Classic theory and current literature concerning development in physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional domains will be examined. Students will analyze connections between critical theories, research, and best practices in early childhood programs. (3 units; As offered and Online)

The course will examine the process of program development, evaluation, and improvement in the early childhood setting with a focus on industry standards and best practice. Students will be introduced to measurement tools such as the Environment Rating Scales (ECERS), NAEYC Accreditation criteria, and the Program Administrators Scale (PAS). Students will utilize common assessments to develop action plans, and integrate their knowledge and understanding of program development and evaluation by creating a proposal for an early childhood program. (3 units; As offered and Online)

This course will review the theory, research, and practice of curriculum development, implementation, and assessment with diverse groups of young children. Students will explore a variety of approaches to curriculum development in early childhood settings serving children birth to age eight. Using an inquiry approach, students will create and reflect on a curriculum unit designed to support young children's learning across all developmental domains. (3 units; As offered and Online)

This course will review significant research and theory regarding social and emotional development and learning in infants and young children. Current best practices in supporting children's developing sense of self within a socio-cultural system will be explored. Monitoring and assessment of social and emotional learning implementation as well as understanding the impact of inclusionary practices and trauma-informed behavior guidance will be explained. The effects of social and emotional development on children's learning potential to advance educational equity and promote the academic, social, and emotional development of all children will be discussed. (3 units; As offered and Online)

Students will evaluate a range of contemporary issues related to education from different leadership and worldview perspectives and develop a worldview and leadership philosophy. Students are equipped with a foundational understanding of worldviews and leadership so as to be informed catalysts for change in education environments. (3 units; As offered and Online)

An introduction to research methods in education. Provides opportunity to develop skill in interpreting research literature; to become acquainted with sources of research literature; to develop an understanding of the methodology of educational research; and to become a critical reader of research reports. An emphasis on the teacher as researcher will provide a basis for assignments. (3 units; As offered and Online)