Department of Early Childhood Education

Graduate Course Descriptions

ECED 603

TEACHER-LEARNER RELATIONSHIPS

3 units

Theory, philosophy and research on teacher-learner relationships with emphasis on developing corresponding learning classroom environments and interaction between teacher and learner in the early childhood classroom.

ECED 604

MATH/SCIENCE IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM

3 units

Theory, pedagogy and related research on developmentally appropriate practices in math and science for young children, with emphasis on a constructivist approach to learning.

ECED 605

THE ARTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN

3 units

This course explores the fundamental role of the arts in young children's lives and curricula, expands on teacher understanding of the arts for all individuals, provides references for low- or no-cost materials, as well as concrete, practical strategies for fine arts learning design and implementation.  The course identifies how the arts build interest, motivation and learning in all areas of the curriculum.

ECED 606

RESEARCH AND PRACTICE ON MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING

3 units

Research and practice on multimedia technology and early childhood education. Experience and evaluate resources for young children. Experiment and integrate technology in classrooms with young children, grades Pre-K to 3.

ECED 607

LEARNER DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

3 units

Theory, pedagogy and related research on multiple aspects of learner diversity, with emphasis on developing appropriate culturally responsive and inclusive environments for young children.

ECED 608

INTEGRATED CURRICULUM AND AUTHENTIC LEARNING IN ECED

3 units

An integrated approach to learning in preschool and primary programs, with emphasis on social studies, the arts and technology through the Project Approach and inspirations from Reggio Emilia.  Based on an understanding of young children's growth and development, and on appropriate curriculum practices with strategies for meaningful learning within various curriculum systems and settings.  Addresses the skills, knowledge and attitudes that children need in a diverse, democratic society.  Prerequisites:  Graduate standing or permission of instructor.

ECED 609

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN

3 units

Current theory and research on the growth and development of young children, including both typical and atypical development; methods of studying behavior; implications for early childhood programs. To be completed during the fall or spring semesters within the first 6 credit hours of the program.

ECED 610

LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS: CURRICULUM & TECHNOLOGY

3 units

Research and practice on school transformations and new educational directions as a result of evolving technologies. Examine how emerging technologies can support curriculum and create new learning environments that are developmentally appropriate for young children.

ECED 611

TEACHER AS RESEARCHER: RESEARCH METHODS IN ECED

3 units

Development of skills, insights and understanding basic to planning and conducting research, with emphasis on interpretation and application of research results. Focus on research methods and literature applicable to early childhood education. To be completed during the fall or spring semesters within the first 6 credit hours of the program.

ECED 612

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND MANAGEMENT IN PROGRAMS OF YOUNG CHILDREN

3 units

Examines the nature of young children's peer conflicts, the role of conflict in children's development and ways for practitioners and families to promote children's prosocial interaction, conflict resolution and early violence prevention. Also addresses adult conflict issues in early childhood settings.

ECED 613

PROGRAMS FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN

3 units

Research, theory and best practice relating to the development and care of young children from 0 to 3. Examines the design, implementation and evaluation of programs for infants and toddlers. Emphasis on the needs of young children and their families in diverse and inclusive settings.

ECED 615

ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERIVISION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

3 units

Theory and practice of operating programs for young children, staff selection and mentoring; curriculum development; working with families; licensing and accreditation; budgeting; program and staff evaluation.

ECED 618

THINKING THROUGH THE PROCESSES AND ACQUISITIONS OF LITERACY

3 units

Literacy acquisition, birth through age 8, through study of learning theories based on brain research, cognition, language acquisition. Strategies for integrating reading and writing processes across the curriculum. Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in ECE or related field, teaching experience or permission of instructor.

ECED 619

ASSESSMENT, OBSERVATION AND EVALUATION IN ECED

3 units

Forms, functions and roles of assessment for planning and implementing effective programs for young children from diverse cultures and home languages and with varied learning needs.  Qualitative and quantitative approaches to assessment and evaluation and methods of observing children.  Appropriate strategies for conducting, reporting and decision-making related to various procedures and instruments.

ECED 621

ASSESSMENT OF READING AND WRITING IN ECED

3 units

Assessment to Guide Instruction: Assessment of primary-grade children's reading and writing. Purposes and types of assessment tools available for use in the classroom, types of information provided by assessment tools and appropriate use of the information including communicating results and formulating specific instructional recommendations to enhance each child's growth in reading and writing.

ECED 623

THE ART OF READING & WRITING INSTRUCTION IN PRIMARY GRADES & KINGARDEN

3 units

Reading and writing instruction with young children: development of comprehensive, effective programs, management of programs, evaluation of learning, use of strategies to develop comprehension, word skill and composition.

ECED 647

ADVANCED PROCESSES OF TEACHING & LEARNING

3 units

Systems of analyzing teaching behavior; models of teaching for achieving cognitive, social and personal learning objectives; and analysis of classroom application of teaching models.

ECED 665

CURRICULUM THEORY AND DEVELOPMENT

3 units

History, theories, research and contemporary influences of curriculum development in early childhood education; objectives, content and evaluation; teacher as curriculum developers and implementers.

ECED 670-679

SPECIAL TOPICS IN ECED

1 units min / 3 units max

In-depth study of a selected topic in Early Childhood Education.  The specific requirements and prerequisites will vary with each topic and will be designated by the department each time there is a topic scheduled.  Each topic may be taken as a separate course.

ECED 680

CELEBRATING THE ARTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN: INTEGRATING THE ARTS IN CURRICULUM FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

6 units

Understanding and integration of the arts in teaching and learning with all young children. Experiences in music, dance, drama, and visual arts, supported by computer technology, with focus on inclusion of children with special needs. Emphasis on developing creative and aesthetic expression. Exploring the potential of the arts in literacy learning and the value of the arts in diverse and inclusive settings.  Prerequisite:  Graduate standing or consent of the graduate program director.

ECED 694

INTERNSHIP IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMS

3 units min / 6 units max

Experience relating theory and practice in early childhood education programs. Prerequisites: Early Childhood graduate student standing and consent of the Early Childhood Education graduate program director.

ECED 695

INDEPENDENT STUDY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

3 units

Independent study in selected areas of early childhood education. Prerequisites: Early Childhood graduate student standing and consent of Early Childhood Education graduate program director.

ECED 696

DIRECTED READINGS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

3 units

Independent readings in journals and professional books in selected areas of Early Childhood Education. Prerequisites: Early Childhood Education graduate student standing and consent of the Early Childhood Education graduate program director.

ECED 750

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

3 units

The design, development and evaluation of programs in education and human services, including early childhood education. Theory, paradigms and models; policy in the program development process; grant writing; Brofenbrenner's notions of the ecology of human development in the design of programs; budgeting; program evaluation and use of technology in program development.

ECED 760

CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

3 units

In-depth consideration of guiding theories and critical perspectives in the field of early childhood. Readings to include original works by Vygotsky, Bronfenbrenner, Piaget and others. Post-modern, feminist, post-colonial perspectives, activity and systems theories offer a critical examination of traditional theories in relation to current research and to the students professional experiences.

ECED 773

SEMINAR IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

3 units

The final course for students enrolled in the graduate program in Early Childhood Education. Focus of seminar discussions is on issues and topics of importance in early childhood education. Exploration of theoretical, philosophical, historical and/or sociological foundations of topics (to be taken in the final semester of the program).

ECED 897

MASTER'S THESIS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

6 units

ECED 898

EARLY CHLDHOOD ED THESIS

3 units

The previous course, ECED 897, taken over two consecutive semesters.

ECED 899

THESIS CONTINUUM

1 units