Birth through Grade Three Inclusive Settings 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 will examine the nature of child growth and development for children ages birth through grade three in the areas of language development, social-emotional, aesthetics, cognition and adaptive behavior and how these impact development in the first years of life. Candidates will demonstrate a range of appropriate assessment and evaluation strategies to support the strengths, interests and needs of students with a range of abilities and disabilities. Candidates are required to complete a pre-student teaching experience working in at least three settings that offer early childhood education and with students that reflect diverse family systems and other differentiating factors, like urban/rural, socioeconomic status, and cultural/linguistic diversity. Prerequisites: EDU 102 and 206. (3 credits; alternate years, consult department) Note: This course requires 25 hours of field experience.

This course examines the central concepts, structures and tools used to develop meaningful learning progressions for individuals with exceptionalities ages birth through grade three. Candidates will develop, implement and evaluate individualized plans (IFSPs and IEPs) and utilize a range of appropriate assessment and evaluation strategies to support individual strengths, interests and needs. By the end of the course, candidates will be able to design curricula, assessments and intervention strategies that align with learner and program goals. Candidates will also understand the role of families in the assessment process and assist them in identifying resources, priorities and concerns in relation to the child's development. (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 course examines basic health, nutrition and safety management procedures to promote development and learning. Candidates will learn to recognize signs of emotional distress, physical and mental abuse, and neglect in young children. Candidates will create learning environments and classroom procedures that promote positive social interaction, mutual respect, conflict resolution and self-regulation, and will utilize group guidance and problem-solving to develop supportive relationships among children. Prerequisite: EDU 206. (3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This experience will include the observation, engagement and instruction of a multi-categorical elementary resource program for children from birth to grade three while under the supervision of a licensed, qualified teacher. During this practicum, candidates are required to complete supervised student teaching experiences in two different settings, which can include registered child development homes, home visiting programs, state-accredited child care centers, or classrooms that include both children with and without disabilities in two of three age levels: infant and toddler, preprimary and primary. Using the knowledge, skills and dispositions in planning, instruction, assessment and professionalism learned and assessed throughout the education program, candidates will be able to schedule, evaluate, collaborate, write IEPs and IFSPs, and develop strategies to address special needs of children. Candidates are expected to model "Teacher as Servant" throughout the experience by serving God and society in diverse classroom settings. Prerequisites: KIN 104 or current First Aid and infant child CPR certification. (4-8 credits) Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.

(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.