Historical context and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practices in early care and education. Examines the role of the early childhood educator, identification of best practices for environmental design, curriculum, and teaching strategies. Explores teacher-child relationships, professional ethics, career pathways and professional standards.

Developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for young children. Explores teaching strategies and curriculum development based on theoretical frameworks, observation, and assessment. Emphasizes the teacher's role in supporting development and learning across the curriculum, including all content areas.

Effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program.

Introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. Covers program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. Examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program.

This course examines the major physical, psychosocial, and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. There will be an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. Designed as a foundation course for careers in ECE, Education, Human Services, Health and related fields.

Designed to help teachers and caregivers of young children to establish relationships with children and apply principles of behavior management. Basic principles include helping young children develop positive self-esteem, enter into group play, form friendships and learn pro-social behavior.

Creative activities for young children (2-8 years old) including the planning and implementation of painting, drawing, printmaking, weaving, stitchery, collage, sculpture, puppet-making, and modeling materials.

Culturally sensitive and diverse art activities for young children including planning and integrating projects across the curriculum. Construction of age-appropriate art objects representative of cultures and regions in West Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean Islands, the United States and Canada.

Introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to child health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood settings. This includes prevention strategies, nutrition, and meal planning for various ages and planning educational experiences integrated into daily routines designed to teach children positive health, safety, and nutrition.

This course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation strategies to document development, growth, play, and learning to join with families and professionals in promoting children's success. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools are explored. Child observations will be conducted and analyzed.

Developmental characteristics and needs of the 5-12 year old child at home or in a group care setting: includes developmental stages; equitable program environment; developmentally appropriate curriculum, activities and materials; meeting the diverse and inclusive needs of families; classroom management; communication techniques; administrative requirements and skills; and characteristics of caregivers.

Introduces the variations in development of children with special needs ages birth through eight and the resulting impact on families. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process.

Covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families. Focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and practicing cultural competence.

Developing creative outdoor learning environments including playgrounds, activities, and cooperative games. Developmentally appropriate activities, circle times, and daily planned group experiences will also be explored and developed.

Examination of the development of social identities in diverse societies including theoretical and practical implications of oppression and privilege as they apply to young children, families, programs, classrooms and teaching. Various classroom strategies will be explored emphasizing culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches supporting all children in becoming competent members of a diverse society. Course includes self-examination and reflection on issues related to social identity, stereotypes and bias, social and educational access, media and schooling.

An examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school and community and emphasizes historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

Methods and principles of supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis is on the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders.

An introduction to children's literature: history, elements, and types of books of interest to children from birth through eight years old. Students will read, share, and plan activities around classical, cultural, and award-winning books. Methods of selecting and evaluating books will be applied.

A study of infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. Applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. Emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development.

Study of current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. Emphasis will be placed on the essential policies, principles and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to 36 months.

A demonstration of developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching competencies under guided supervision. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Child centered, play-oriented approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment; and knowledge of curriculum content areas will be emphasized. Students are required to complete 108 hours in addition to weekly lecture at a qualified licensed preschool, school-age, infant-toddler or special needs program.