Early Childhood Education Endorsement

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.

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.

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)

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)

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.

The course examines various concepts of health and physical fitness with the purpose of encouraging the student to establish positive patterns of activity and healthy living.(2 credits)

(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.