300

This course examines a broad understanding of early childhood development through the study of major concepts, theories, and processes related to the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, physical, and moral development of children ages birth through eight years. Emphasis is made regarding development during the earliest years, particularly brain development that results in learned speech, gross and fine motor movements, basic hygiene, and cognitive reasoning. In addition, program candidates study strategies to create instruction that is responsive to early learners' differences and promotes cultural responsiveness with all stakeholders associated with young children.

This course provides an overview of the planning and preparation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children. It includes a critical examination of principles underlying curriculum development and program planning for young children. The course covers basic components of this curriculum including media and technology.

This course presents methods best suited for educating young children who have exceptional learning needs, whether through disabilities or high/gifted abilities. Legal foundations, policies, data-driven decision making and procedures are examined, as well as lesson planning, how to identify types of learning needs, evidence-based instructional strategies, and strategies to assess growth in these children.

This course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation strategies to document development, growth, play, and learning to join with primary care providers and professionals in promoting children's success. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, Response to Intervention, and multiple assessment tools are explored. This course requires field experiences.

This course provides a foundation for teaching reading to children in P - 3 classrooms using scientifically based reading research (SBRR) to examine phonics and the structure of language. This course requires unsupervised field experiences, and is part of the Reading Minor block of courses. Prerequisite: ECED-210

This course focuses on the development of reading comprehension and writing skills in young children based on scientific reading research (SBRR). This course requires field experiences, and is part of the Reading Minor block. Prerequisite: ECED-325

The course investigates practices and procedures associated with various models often used when teaching reading in early childhood education, including tools used for assessment. Prerequisite: ECED-330

This course explores techniques and methods of using literature to teach reading to early learners. Quality children's books from various genres are presented, along with historical and contemporary publishing trends. Prerequisite: ECED-330

This course focuses on play as the principle medium of children's learning and development of visual and performing arts. A teacher's role in facilitating and supporting developmentally appropriate activities for birth through age 8 settings is examined.

This course teaches basic concepts and principles related to the mathematical understandings of young children. Numeracy, hands-on construct exploration, comprehension of computation foundations, and the relationship of math with literacy are integrated with appropriate developmental milestones when utilizing instructional strategies with young children.

This course examines the role of technology for early childhood in the 21st century and provides a comprehensive study of the use of technology to support learning domains. Top findings and statistical trends regarding children's habits and effects of media usage on development, health, and behavior will be analyzed. The course further emphasizes technology issues in education as related to technology aids for the exceptional learner, English language learner and family outreach, diversity and bias in the media, home applications, and digital citizenship.