Early Childhood Education

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the historical roles of families in their child’s development. The student will become familiar with the theories supporting early childhood education and learn how to develop an effective program designed uniquely for children (ages birth to eight). The students will also obtain knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to the care and education of young children. Formerly ECE 1003. 

This course is the study of environmental and hereditary effects on the cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and sociolinguistic development of typically and atypically developing children from conception to middle childhood (conception through age 8) with diverse cultural backgrounds within and outside of the United States. The students will be introduced to methods used to observe and evaluate children’s development and recognize possible delays in development. Practical application of theory is provided through a variety of hands-on experiences and observations. Formerly ECE 1103. 

This course is designed to provide the student with a broad knowledge base on how to design a program for children developing both typically and atypically. The course provides the opportunity to plan environments that are physically and emotionally secure. Students plan and implement activities that are age, stage and culturally appropriate for children birth to five. Formerly ECE 1203. 

Students are required to demonstrate competency in the following areas: health and safety, interaction with children, implementation of curriculum, personal qualities, professionalism and working with staff. These are aligned to NAEYC Associate Degree Standards. Students are required to respond to weekly journals through the Blackboard Online System. Students are also required to complete a minimum of 96 clock hours of observation and working with young children. Of those 96 clock hours, 13 hours of observation are required in additional mandatory childcare sites. Students must have completed the required paperwork for these observations and be employed or volunteer in a licensed childcare facility in order to apply the skills learned in the previous three courses. Observation of the student’s work and evaluation of student skills are conducted by instructors. Formerly ECE 1303. 

This course relates principles of child development to appropriate methods of guiding children’s behavior for children Birth through pre-kindergarten, including children with special needs. Techniques for managing groups of children in the various childcare settings are practiced. Formerly ECE 2003. 

This course is based on the foundation of research in child development and focuses on planning and implementing enriching environments with appropriate interactions and activities for young children (ages 3 through 5) including those with special needs, to maximize physical, cognitive, communication, creative, language/ literacy, and social/emotional growth and development. Competencies are based on Standards developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children for quality early childhood settings. Also covered: • Information on the Quality Approval process and Accreditation for Early Childhood settings in Arkansas, now called Better Beginnings • Arkansas Frameworks Handbook for Three and Four Year Olds Course fee assessed. Formerly ECE 2103. 

This course is based on the foundation of research in child development and focuses on planning and implementing enriching environments with appropriate interactions and activities for young children (birth through 2 years) including those with special needs, to maximize physical, cognitive, communication, creative, language/ literacy, and social/emotional growth and development. Competencies are based on Standards developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children for quality early childhood settings. Also covered: • Information on the Quality Approval process and Accreditation for Early Childhood settings in Arkansas, now called Better Beginnings • Arkansas Frameworks Handbook for Infants and Toddlers. Formerly ECE 2203. 

Students must be employed or volunteer in a licensed childcare facility to apply the knowledge acquired and skills learned in previous coursework. Observation of the student’s work and evaluation of student skills are conducted by instructors following the NAEYC Associate Standards. Students must demonstrate competency in all areas observed and complete a minimum number of clock hours, determined by the institution, of observation and work experience with children birth to five. An emphasis will be on the observation of physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional development in connection with previous courses. If not currently working in a child care facility the student will be assigned a specific site to volunteer, observe and be observed by the early childhood instructor. The sites will be chosen by the instructor in relation to where the students live and the quality of the programs. Formerly ECE 2303. 

This course is designed to make the early childhood educator aware of the acquisition of language and how to provide children birth through pre-kindergarten, including children with special needs with language rich environments by incorporating the four areas of language: speaking, listening, writing and reading. Formerly ECE 2923. 

Students will become familiar with a variety of ways to introduce children Birth through pre-kindergarten, including children with special needs to ideas and concepts related to math and science. Students will create activities; plan and practice developmentally appropriate experiences that would meet recognized standards (NAEYC, NCTM, etc.) for these areas. Formerly ECE 2943. 

This course focuses on the health, safety and nutritional guidelines for children, birth through eight years of age, child care licensing requirements and activity planning. Emphasis is placed on establishing safe, quality learning environments and practices that respect the diversity of settings, families and teachers who care for young children. Formerly ECE 2963. 

This course relate s principles of child development to appropriate methods of guiding children’s behavior for children Birth through pre-kindergarten, including children with special needs. Techniques for managing groups of children in the various childcare settings are practiced. Formerly ECE 2973. 

This course introduces students to current research in the field of Early Childhood education. Students will develop a knowledge base of the NAEYC Code of Conduct through analyzing case studies designed to demonstrate competencies compatible with current research and practice, development of a professional portfolio to demonstrate competencies in the skills relating to the NAEYC Associate Degree Standards. Formerly ECE 2993.