Early Childhood (ECHD)

This course introduces students to observation and assessment techniques that are needed to understand and interpret young children’s growth and development in order to meet the individual needs of children in a diverse population. Students will examine formal and informal assessments of physical, cognitive, language and social/emotional development. Current methods, confidentiality and professionalism will be stressed. Students will have the opportunity to practice the techniques and assessments through the semester in a field placement setting. Prerequisite: ECHD 101 Prerequisite or Co-requisite: ECHD 102, PSYC 241 or Permission of Instructor 3 credits (2 lecture hours/2 lab hours), spring semester

This course will examine the health, safety and nutritional needs of children birth-8 years. The unique needs of early childcare settings will be addressed and include the following topics: personal hygiene, safety practices, nutritious meals, chronic conditions and health policies. In addition, students will explore the variety of environmental, behavioral and constitutional factors which influence health within the family, the childcare setting and the community. Investigation of current issues and community agencies will be included Prerequisites: ECHD 101 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall semester

This course examines the development of language and literacy in young children from birth through the primary years. Theoretical foundations and various models that support young children’s early literacy will be explored. Other topics included are: working with families to support literacy development, assessing early literacy development, integrating literacy throughout the curriculum, and selecting quality literature that addresses cultural, racial, linguistic, religious, gender, age and family diversity. Students will be given the opportunity to explore all genres, and a student-created children’s book will be a culminating project. A two hour community project involving reading to children is required. Prerequisites: ECHD 103 or Permission of Instructor 3 credits (3 lecture hrs.), fall semester

This course focuses on the development of high quality programs for infants and toddlers in group care, providing for their physical, social/emotional and cognitive needs. Understanding the significance of providing sensory rich and stimulating environments, experiences and relationships with infants and toddlers will be the foundation for developing programs. Developmentally and culturally diverse approaches, techniques and materials will be emphasized as well as setting up positive and nurturing learning and growing environments. Students will learn the importance of the caregiver’s role, building relationships with parents and the significance of early intervention. The role of a professional and professionalism will be stressed. There will be a minimum of one infant and one toddler observation experiences in child care settings. Prerequisites: ECHD 103, PSYC 241 or Permission of Instructor 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall semester

This course is intended to provide students with knowledge of the nature and requirements of children and families with special needs in the areas of health, sensory, physical, developmental, learning and behavior disorders as well as traumatic brain injuries and giftedness. The significance of early identification, assessment and intervention will be emphasized. Students will learn about Federal and State laws and regulations including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the placement of students in special education settings and mainstream classroom inclusion. The emphasis will be on ways to adapt curriculum and the environment to meet the needs of a diverse population of children within the context of an inclusive classroom. Students will have the opportunity to observe children in different settings and participate in the development of developmentally appropriate anti-bias activities for children. Prerequisites: ECHD 201, ECHD 202, ECHD 203 or Permission of Instructor 3 credits (3 lecture hours), spring semester

This course addresses the creative arts process and curriculum integration of art, drama, literature, music and movement for students preparing to work with young children. It is a participation rich, hands-on course giving all members of the class many varied experiences in the arts both as teachers and as students. Students will learn the value of the arts for growth and development of children as well as ways to integrate the arts into planned programs. Through class discussions, activities, readings and research, students will create specific arts activities that address the needs of a diverse population of children and provide rich multicultural experiences. Pre-requisites: ECHD 103 or Permission of Instructor 3 credits (3 lecture hours), spring semester

This course focuses on curriculum development for preschool and primary school children (through second grade). Students will learn to plan developmentally appropriate learning experiences, design positive learning environments and incorporate play for young children’s cognitive, emotional, social, linguistic and physical growth and development. Students will develop materials and activities that address all content areas of early childhood while integrating cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion. Linking the family and community with the early childhood program will be emphasized. A.A.S Degree students in Early Childhood will incorporate some of the activities and materials into the Practicum-Field Experiences Course. This course is to be taken concurrently with ECHD 212 (Practicum-Field Experience II). Prerequisites or Co-requisites: ECHD 204, ECHD 205, ECHD 212 or Permission of Instructor 3 credits (3 lecture hours), spring semester

This course provides each student with direct experience working in a high quality early childhood setting. The experience will connect students’ educational theory with actual classroom experience. The student will work with an experienced early childhood professional as his/her cooperating teacher for a minimum of 90 hours during the semester. In addition, students will attend weekly hour seminars. This is the culmination of college work for students in the A.A.S. Degree Program for Early Childhood. Successful completion of this course and the personal portfolio are requirements for this Degree. Prerequisites or Co-requisites: ECHD 206; Restricted to students enrolled in the final semester of the program; 2.0 GPA, satisfactory criminal background check, and current CPR certification required. 4 credits (1 lecture/3 lab); spring semester