Early Childhood Education Endorsement

This course examines both the typical and atypical growth and development ofchildren ages birth through grade three in the areas of cognition, languagedevelopment, physical motor, social-emotional, mental health and adaptivebehavior. Candidates will learn how these areas impact development andlearning 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 stateprofessional standards for designing content and informing and improvingpractices 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 ofprograms for children ages birth through grade three and their families,including program development, supervision, staff evaluation, and continuingimprovement of programs and services. Candidates will understand thesignificance of lifelong learning by participating in professionalactivities relevant to early childhood education, special education andearly intervention. Candidates are required to complete pre-student teachingexperiences in at least three settings that offer early childhood education.(3 credits; alternate years, consult department) Note: This course requires25 hours of field experience.

This course examines the theories and knowledge of dynamic roles andrelationships within and between families, schools and communities and howthey can influence and support learning. Candidates will engage inintentional practices that value diversity and demonstrate understanding inhow language, culture and family background can impact development. Inaddition, candidates will also learn to recognize how children are bestunderstood in the context of family and how linguistic diversity, biologicaland environmental factors, and family strengths can influence developmentand learning at all stages of life. Prerequisite: EDU 206. (2 credits;alternate years, consult department)

This course examines how successful early childhood education depends uponreciprocal and respectful partnerships with families, communities andagencies. Candidates will understand the dynamic roles within and betweenfamilies, schools and communities and how to create a community of supportfor children and families through interagency collaboration. Candidates willlearn how to collaborate with supervisors, mentors and colleagues to enhanceprofessional growth within and across disciplines to inform practice and toadvocate for developmentally and individually appropriate practice.Utilizing collaborative partnerships, candidates will learn how to createsafe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that engagelearners in meaningful activities and interactions. Prerequisite: EDU 206.(2 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This experience will include the observation, engagement and instruction inboth pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms for 4 weeks while underthe supervision of a licensed, qualified teacher. Candidates will draw fromand develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions in planning, instruction,assessment and professionalism learned and assessed throughout theelementary education program. Candidates are expected to model "Teacher asServant" throughout the experience by serving God and society in diverseclassroom 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 ofstudent teaching is a necessary step towards licensure; a passing grade forstudent teaching does not guarantee licensure recommendation fromdepartment.

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 ofinjuries. American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid andAdult/Child/Infant CPR/AED certification will be secured upon successfulcompletion of this course.Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.