| Course Code | Name | Course Description |
| ECE7001-8 | Topics in Early Childhood Education | This course presents an overview of early childhood education in American society, including currently respected theories and practical applications for educating the young child. Specifically, Learners will explore basic educational concepts and developmentally appropriate practices for children, pre-k – grade three, including children with exceptional needs. Historical and contemporary models and delivery systems are presented and innovations in instruction are discussed. It is suggested that Learners pursuing a specialization in ECE should take this as their first specialization course. |
| ECE7002-8 | Topics in Early Childhood Growth, Development, and Educational Programs | This Doctoral level course discusses theory and research related to the education of young children. The intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of infants, toddlers, and young children will be examined, and the impact of these factors on the development of quality early childhood education instructional programs will be explored. Societal changes and their influence on early childhood programs will also be examined. |
| ECE7003-8 | Topics in Early Childhood Program Administration | This doctoral course focuses on the development and implementation of early childhood programs for a variety of age groups and purposes. Specifically, curriculum development, materials, teaching strategies, evaluation, budgets, hiring procedures and state guidelines/regulations are addressed. Skills and competencies to implement the aforementioned concepts will also be addressed.
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| ECE7005-8 | Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment | This course discusses theory, research, and trends related to the curriculum and assessment of young children enrolled in early childhood education programs. Developmentally appropriate early childhood lesson plans and activities will be explored, analyzed, and created. Standardized and classroom assessments will be researched and evaluated. |
| ECE7007-8 | Early Childhood Literacy and Literature | This course discusses literacy development in early childhood education. Balanced literacy instruction including a comprehensive set of strategies designed to meet individual needs will be explored. Methods for developing reading and writing skills that are developmentally appropriate will also be investigated. Since knowledge of children's literature is essential for any early childhood educator, Learners will determine ways to select appropriate and motivating materials to enhance an early childhood literacy program. |
| ECE7009-8 | Families, Communities, and Schools as Partners in Early Childhood Education | This course focuses on the development of partnerships between early childhood educators, families, and communities. Encouraging involvement and communicating with families and communities in early childhood education programs will be researched and analyzed. Societal trends and issues specific to diversity will be explored. Special topics in the course include child abuse, child advocacy, and formulating effective strategies for working with families of special needs children. |
