Advanced Certificate
Early Childhood Education
Degrees and Certificates
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Early Childhood Education, -
Early Childhood Education, Associate in Science -
Associate Teacher, Certificate -
Lead Teacher, Certificate
Courses
ECE121L: Growth and Development of the Young Child
An introduction to the child, from birth to age eight, as a learner and family member with needs to explore and communicate, as well as to develop social competence. Explanation of current themes of child development is provided with special emphasis on understanding children'92s developmental levels through childhood. Topics covered include: conception, heredity and prenatal development, infant development, the child in the family, toddlerhood and early childhood. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
ECE122L: Curriculum Development in Early Childhood
The design, implementation, and evaluation of appropriate programs for young children through age six. The course focuses on the concrete, practical application of various theories, philosophies, and current research data in the field. Other topics include: the young child as explorer and learner, language, numbers, art and the world, and the effective teacher of young children. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
ECE123L: Foundations of Early Childhood Education
This course covers the history of early childhood education and childcare, including the contributions of Froebel, Montessori, and Wheelock. The course concentrates on a diversity of programs including childcare, Head Start, kindergarten and nursery. Profit and non-profit programs will be examined. Discussion includes historical perspectives, current trends, theories and approaches to the care, development, and education of young children. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
ECE124L: Health, Nutrition and Safety in Child Care
Utilizing National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines and all applicable local and state standards, this course provides the student with comprehensive concepts, guidelines, and practices needed to implement appropriate policies and procedures to insure proper nutrition and sanitary, healthy, and safe childcare environments. It should be noted that CPR and First Aid training are NOT part of the course. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
ECE126L: Infant/Toddler Development
This course focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for infant/toddler caregivers. Students will explore various theoretical perspectives on infant/toddler development and the pragmatics of caring for young children in early childhood settings. A study of important influences on infant and toddler development, with emphasis on the role and responsibilities of parents and caregivers in creating high quality, supportive environments with sensitivity to attachment and the importance of communication skills in nurturing positive parent/teacher/child relationships. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
ECE162L: Independent Study in Early Childhood Education
In order to develop appropriate attitudes and skills, and to effectively apply knowledge to the care and education of young children, the student works in a licensed and approved setting under the supervision of a qualified professional. Periodic conferences between the supervisor and the practicum instructor evaluate the student'92s progress. At the close of the semester the student submits documentation relating to the student'92s practicum learning experiences. Work at the practicum site along with self-reflection and disclosure documented with journaling combine to create a structure that promotes and supports personal and professional growth.
ECE165L: Practicum I in Early Childhood Education
Students gain exposure to their professional role while they apply and integrate knowledge acquired through prior coursework. In order to develop appropriate attitudes and skills, and to effectively apply knowledge to the area and education of young children, the student works in a licensed and approved setting under the supervision of a qualified professional. Periodic conferences between the supervisor and the practicum instructor are conducted to evaluate the student's progress. As the close of the semester the student submits documentation relating theory, practice and other practicum learning experiences. Working at the practicum site along with peer review, self-reflection and disclosure combine to create a structure that promotes and supports personal and professional growth. (Student Personal Professional Liability Insurance is mandatory for practicum students.)
ECE210: Positive Behavior Guidance in ECE
This course provides strategies to promote developmental^ appropriate positive guidance for young children in a group context. Emphasis is to prepare young children to become confident and cooperative individuals, placing a strong foundation on social emotional learning. Using the pyramid model, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and other resources, strategies for identifying risk factors, conflict resolution, and crisis management techniques, will be studied. Exploration of topics related to positive guidance will include family engagement, cultural competencies, curriculum design, environment classroom design and classroom management tools, in tandem with theories and current research.
ECE212L: Teaching with Technology
This course presents theory and strategies for effective integration of technology resources and technology-based methods of instruction to enhance and extend student learning. The role of technology in the classroom with regard to student use, teacher productivity, and communication will be explored, including assistive technology designed for students with disabilities, to discover ways in which technology supports differentiated instruction. State and National technology standards will be addressed with respect to planning curricula and technology-based activities.
ECE216L: Young Children'92s Special Needs
This course will broaden the student'92s awareness of the theoretical and legal foundations for programs serving young children from infancy through age eight with a wide range of special education needs. Students will examine the causes, symptoms, social consequences, and behavior characteristics of children with special needs. Emphasis will be on education for children and their families. Disabilities and special needs, theoretical foundations and practical implications, legal requirements, rights, and procedures are discussed. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
ECE224L: Math and Science in Early Childhood
This course will provide students with the theoretical and developmental knowledge necessary to effectively teach the basic concepts of math and science to young children. Students will develop their skills in preparing developmental^ appropriate activities which promote inquisitiveness, problem solving, and exploration. The interrelationship between math and science and other areas of the curriculum will be explored. Students will need access to young children. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
ECE225L: Art, Music, Drama and Movement
This course focuses on nurturing creativity in young children through developmental^ appropriate activities in the areas of art, music, drama, and movement. The various methods and materials used to stimulate a young child'92s creative impulses will be explored, as well as the developmental stages of artistic growth. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
ECE230L: Developing and Administering a Child Care and Education Program
This course will provide a comprehensive study of the operation of an early childhood education childcare facility. Staffing and supervision, including orientation, training, and motivation and evaluating staff are explored as they relate to the business of childcare. Students develop business and marketing plans according to accepted business standards. New Hampshire Child Care Standards and licensing requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant, and funding sources are included. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
ECE231L: Early Literacy Development
Early Literacy Development involves listening, speaking, drawing, singing and acting, as well as reading. It includes all the methods children communicate ideas and receive those of others. This course will focus on concepts underlying early literacy development and using children'92s literature and creative activities to enable students to develop a repertoire of experiences and a portfolio of resources to enhance emergent literacy in young children. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
ECE265L: Practicum II in Early Childhood Education
The student works in a licensed and approved setting under the supervision of a qualified professional to acquire the advanced skills and develop autonomy in the planning and implementation of activities for young children. Periodic conferences between the student, supervisor and the practicum instructor are held to evaluate the student'92s progress. At the close of the semester, the student submits detailed documentation relating theory, practice, and the student's learning experiences at the practicum site. In addition, a detailed portfolio which entails the NAEYC Standards is produced. Work at the practicum site along with peer review, self-reflection and disclosure combine to create a structure that promotes and supports personal and professional growth.