Early Childhood Education Endorsement
Requirements for certification for preschool through grade 3. (Also requires the completion of the elementary education major.) An online option of the Unified Early Childhood endorsement is available for those who hold or are eligible to hold certification in Elementary Education. Please contact the Education department for details.
Requirements
EDU 229 - Introduction to Early Childhood
This course examines both the typical and atypical growth and development of
children ages birth through grade three in the areas of cognition, language
development, physical motor, social-emotional, mental health and adaptive
behavior. Candidates will learn how these areas impact development and
learning in the first years of life and will use this knowledge to plan,
develop, implement and evaluate integrated learning experiences for home,
center and school environments based on knowledge of the child, the family,
and the community. Candidates will also use relevant national and state
professional standards for designing content and informing and improving
practices for children and their families. (3 credits; alternate years,
consult department) Note: This course requires 25 hours of field experience.
EDU 230 - Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Programs
This course examines the principles of administration and operation of
programs for children ages birth through grade three and their families,
including program development, supervision, staff evaluation, and continuing
improvement of programs and services. Candidates will understand the
significance of lifelong learning by participating in professional
activities relevant to early childhood education, special education and
early intervention. Candidates are required to complete pre-student teaching
experiences in at least three settings that offer early childhood education.
(3 credits; alternate years, consult department) Note: This course requires
25 hours of field experience.
EDU 314 - Working with Parents
This course examines the theories and knowledge of dynamic roles and
relationships within and between families, schools and communities and how
they can influence and support learning. Candidates will engage in
intentional practices that value diversity and demonstrate understanding in
how language, culture and family background can impact development. In
addition, candidates will also learn to recognize how children are best
understood in the context of family and how linguistic diversity, biological
and environmental factors, and family strengths can influence development
and learning at all stages of life. Prerequisite: EDU 206. (2 credits;
alternate years, consult department)
EDU 319 - Communication and Collaborative Partnerships for Special Educators
This course examines how successful early childhood education depends upon
reciprocal and respectful partnerships with families, communities and
agencies. Candidates will understand the dynamic roles within and between
families, schools and communities and how to create a community of support
for children and families through interagency collaboration. Candidates will
learn how to collaborate with supervisors, mentors and colleagues to enhance
professional growth within and across disciplines to inform practice and to
advocate for developmentally and individually appropriate practice.
Utilizing collaborative partnerships, candidates will learn how to create
safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that engage
learners in meaningful activities and interactions. Prerequisite: EDU 206.
(2 credits; alternate years, consult department)
EDU 407 - Early Childhood Student Teaching
This experience will include the observation, engagement and instruction in
both pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms for 4 weeks while under
the supervision of a licensed, qualified teacher. Candidates will draw from
and develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions in planning, instruction,
assessment and professionalism learned and assessed throughout the
elementary education program. Candidates are expected to model "Teacher as
Servant" throughout the experience by serving God and society in diverse
classroom settings. Prerequisites: EDU229 and 230, and KIN104 or current first aid and infant child CPR certification.
(1-6 credits) Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis. Successful completion of
student teaching is a necessary step towards licensure; a passing grade for
student teaching does not guarantee licensure recommendation from
department.
Cognate requirements
KIN 101 - Concepts of Physical Fitness
No course description available.
KIN 104 - First Aid
(1 credit) An intensive course in first aid, including lectures,
demonstrations and practice in accident prevention and treatment of
injuries. American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid and
Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED certification will be secured upon successful
completion of this course.
Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.
Total credits required: 16-17
Note: Requires certification in Infant CPR and First Aid.