Elementary Education

Career and Technical Courses

ED200 (3 credits)
Introduction to Teaching

This course investigates the historical, global, social, legal and philosophical foundations of education. It provides an overview of the structure and contemporary issues of the American education system. It explores the roles and ethical consideration of the education profession. Prerequisite: WR115 or designated placement score.

ED165 (3 credits)
Child Development

Explores child growth and development from the prenatal period through middle childhood. Requires observing children in a classroom setting. Course may include an online component. Prerequisite: WR115 or designated placement score.

ED170 (variable credits)
Introductory Practicum

Provides supervised teaching of children in a classroom setting. The student will work with instructor to identify a different site for each practicum credit. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score, and ECE125, ECE161, ECE163, or ED165.

ECE151 (3 credits)
Guiding Children in Group Settings

Addresses positive ways to support children’s social-emotional development from birth to age eight by understanding children’s behavior. Focuses on adult-child and child-child interactions and relationships. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score; and ECE125, ECE161, ECE163, or ED165 or permission of Instructor.

ECE163 (3 credits)
Preschool/Primary Development

Explores child growth and development in detail from three through eight years of age, including elements of quality programs for preschool and school-age children. Direct experience observing young children in a group setting will be an important part of the course. Course may include an online component. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score.

ECE240 (3 credits)
Play-Based Learning

Explores why play is a fundamentally important part of children’s development, the role of play in learning, and ways that adults can support and promote play. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score; and ECE125, ECE163, or ED165.

ECE244 (3 credits)
Observation and Assessment

Focuses on the use of observation as a tool for discovering children’s interests, assessing development and behavior, and planning responsive curriculum. Observations in community early childhood settings are required. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score; and ECE161, ECE163, or ED165.

ECE245 (3 credits)
Promoting Social/Emotional Development of Young Children

Explores strategies to help children develop the social and emotional tools needed to manage their own behavior, exhibit more prosocial behavior, and master social skills. Addresses how to support children who have particular social needs such as shyness, aggressive behavior, and hearing or visual impairments. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score, and ECE151, ECE161, ECE163, or ED165.

ECE246 (3 credits)
Child, Family and Community

Focuses on developing skills for establishing effective relationships, based on mutual respect, between early childhood professionals and families of the children with whom they are working. Course may include an online component. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score, and ECE125, ECE161, ECE163, or ED165.

ECE248 (3 credits)
Children with Disabilities and Their Families

Explores ways teachers can facilitate the inclusion of young children with disabilities in a child care or classroom setting. Covers characteristics of disabilities, environmental and curricular adaptations, and instructional strategies for supporting learning. Impact of disability on families, working in partnership with parents, and participation on the IFSP/IEP team will also be addressed. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score, and ECE161, ECE163, or ED165.

ECE256 (3 credits)
Primary Curriculum

Designed for those planning to work with kindergarten and primary-age children. Covers how to select, present, and evaluate materials and activities for children five to eight years old. Emphasizes how to fulfill curriculum standards using developmentally appropriate teaching strategies. Course may include an online component. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score, and ECE163 or ED165.

ECE265 (3 credits)
Children at Risk

Explores the types of trauma experienced by young children, the impact of trauma on early brain development, and principles of working with children and families who have experienced trauma. Emphasizes trauma-informed practices and importance of self-reflection and self-care for professionals. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score, and ECE125, ECE161, ECE163, or ED165.

ECE266 (3 credits)
Spanish for Early Childhood/Elementary Professionals

Focuses on developmentally and linguistically appropriate practices for second language learners as well as developing a perspective of cultural competency. Enables students to develop basic vocabulary and learn cultural activities in Spanish to use with Spanish-speaking children and parents in a variety of educational situations Prerequisite: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score.

ECE275 (3 credits)
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Education

Explores the role of the adult in helping children accept and appreciate diversity and uphold values of equity, inclusion and social justice. Course may include an online component. Prerequisites: BT113 or WR115 or designated placement score, and ECE125, ECE161, ECE163, or ED165.