Early Childhood Education Concentration

This course introduces the basics of integrating Children?s Literature and the Expressive Arts (art, music and movement and drama) across the curriculum. Students actively participate in activities in all of these areas both in the college classroom and in the local community. The course integrates this study of the Expressive Arts with a study of Children?s Literature, including genres, authors, response to literature and reading aloud.

Explores theory, activities, and materials to help the child understand concepts and develop skills in basic math and science. Explores materials that further physical and logic mathematical knowledge.

Students explore developmentally appropriate practice for the early care and education of young children from birth through two years of age. The course examines infant/toddler growth and development as well as appropriate curriculum for this age group. The topics of observation, assessment, and diversity are also addressed. In addition, the course explores the essential relationship between parents and teachers. One credit of the course encompasses a half day placement each week in an infant/toddler setting. Students will have to complete a background-check as required by placement site.

Students plan curriculum related to themes as well as develop environments for teaching. Nutrition, parent communication and assessment of children are examined. This course is taken concurrently with Preschool Field Experience (EDU 251).

Students work two half-days or two full days per week in a preschool setting carrying out lessons for small and large groups on a theme-related curriculum. Observations in a variety of preschool classroom areas are completed. This course is taken concurrently with Integrated Preschool Curriculum (EDU 250).

Students plan lessons and units for teaching in primary classrooms. Emphasis is on social studies curriculum planning for the five to eight year old child. Observations in a variety of primary classroom areas are completed. This course is taken concurrently with Primary Field Experience (EDU 256).

Students work two half-days or two full days per week in a kindergarten, first, second or third grade, planning and carrying out lessons for small and large groups on a theme-related curriculum. This course is taken concurrently with Integrated Primary Curriculum (EDU 255).

Students explore the underlying principles and research-based best practices of elementary-level classroom management and organization to prepare them as a professional in the field. The course will include a focus on the elements of successful classroom: space design, selection of materials, short and long term planning, using assessment data to plan curriculum, organizing for pro-social behavior and collaboration with staff, colleagues and families.