AAS Early Childhood Education

The focus of this course is to overview the historical and theoretical foundations of Early Childhood Education (ECE) and the role of the ECE professional in creating quality care environments. An emphasis on developmentally appropriate practice is accompanied by exploration of diversity, program models and approaches, best practices, and the components of a quality program. Child care regulations vs. learning standards, accreditation entities, roles and responsibilities, professionalism and career choices are also investigated.

The focus of this course is to build a foundation for understanding both typical and atypical development across all domains in early childhood. Students will investigate the roles heredity and environment play in child development, with an emphasis on social, cultural, and economic influences. The science of early brain development, child development theories, milestones, and domains form the foundation for understanding, including the development of children with exceptionalities. The role of the teacher relating to child growth and development will be explored.

The early childhood professional's role in promoting the health, safety, and nutrition of the developing child is the focus of this course. Strategies and procedures for supporting child wellness in all three areas will be explored, with emphasis on how these practices are integrated into the operations of an early childhood program and vary by age group. Additionally, creating and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment in accordance with governmental regulations and developmentally appropriate program standards will be investigated.

This course focuses on understanding the significant role families play in the education of their children. Students will explore topics such as supporting diversity, culturally-responsive curriculum and learning environments, ensuring anti-bias education, advancing equity and inclusion, and advocating for children and families. Specific attention will also be given to the importance of building effective communication and relationships with children and families while working collaboratively with resources in the community.

This course will focus on the acquisition of language and literacy skills in early childhood, also including an introduction to the content areas of math, science, social studies, and the creative arts. The understanding of literacy development theories will support the planning of appropriate activities for young children within the content areas. The 6 components of language arts and the reading and writing continuum will be examined. Students will evaluate quality children's literature through specific criteria and practice using that literature in planning developmentally appropriate activities for children. Informal assessment tools will also be explored.

This course is designed to assist students in identifying challenging behaviors and using positive guidance strategies to support self-regulation in young children.u00a0 Students will discuss a variety of positive guidance strategies to support children including culturally responsive strategies and techniques inclusive of children with developmental disabilities, as well as appropriate methods of guidance for each age group. Current philosophies and approaches will also be explored. Supporting children through reflection and dialogue to develop conflict-resolution skills will also be discussed.

This course will introduce the principles of leadership and management of ECE programs, including all aspects of how to design and manage an early childhood program. Analyzing state regulations and how they impact the design of the program are key components to be discussed. Evaluating program outcomes and teacher performance with a focus on continuous improvement and renewal will also be covered. Students will explore how management affects the overall operation and quality of the early childhood program.

This course focuses on the design and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum in ECE.u00a0 Students will examine the overarching elements that comprise a high-quality curriculum, per NAEYC recommendations.u00a0 The curricular areas of language and literacy, math, science, social studies, the creative arts, and motor abilities will be explored.u00a0 Emphasis will be given to theories and guiding principles, developmentally appropriate skills and content, instructional strategies, material selection and design of the environment to support learning in each curricular area.u00a0 Likewise, the importance of differentiating the curriculum to account for age level, developmental delays and exceptionalities, and cultural and linguistic diversity will be investigated.

This course is designed to explore the principles and best practices of observation and assessment based on the guidance provided by the NAEYC. Students will investigate the observation and assessment cycle with a focus on remaining unbiased throughout the process. Students will learn how to select and utilize formal and informal methods of assessment, as well as various tools to support the evaluation process. Using assessment results to individualize and guide instruction as well as to improve the program as a whole will be covered. The value of including families in the assessment process will also be addressed.

This course is an introduction to the writing process and the formulation of appropriate workplace communication, as well as the essentials of essay writing. Instruction in effective academic and career reading strategies are introduced, along with basic information literacy skills to retrieve, evaluate, and appropriately use the ideas of others.

This course introduces students to the basic use of computer hardware and software, electronic communication, and the Internet. Students will develop and utilize their technical knowledge, skills, and abilities in working with office technology in order to efficiently perform tasks and complete projects for contemporary academic, professional, and personal use. Students will apply fundamental theoretical, analytical, and problem solving strategies to advance their understanding of computer literacy.

This course will help students learn and apply concepts relating to various workplace situations. Learners will gain a fundamental understanding of the connectivity across course disciplines that incorporate numerical calculations, ratios, proportions, percent, measurement, algebraic concepts, and the ability to visually communicate numerical information.

The internship provides students with valuable field experience under the supervision and evaluation of a cooperating facility and the College. Students apply knowledge and skills gained in the career program for 90 hours at the host site. Students also dedicate 45 total hours for program coordination purposes, evaluation of the internship experience, and refinement of their portfolio.

This course introduces students to the basic tenets of the communication process and the necessity of effective communication in order to achieve academic, professional (career), social, and personal goals. Students will consider factors which influence the achievement of those goals for academic, professional (career), social, and personal success, as well as for the creation of productive learning communities and students' transformation into agile, lifelong learners.

In this course, students are instructed in the various rhetorical modes of academic essay writing, including informative, persuasive, and research-based papers. In addition to academic writing, students are introduced to oral presentations. Students learn to examine the purpose and audience of written and oral communications and craft appropriate messages. Students will also refine their revising and proofreading skills.

This course helps students develop quantitative literacy skills for personal and professional lives. Students will use reasoning and mathematical methods to find solutions to real-world problems. Students will use algebraic, financial, proportional, probabilistic, and statistical methods to draw conclusions and/or make decisions.

This course will focus on psychological, emotional, social, cognitive, linguistic, and physical development from birth through adolescence. Theoretical perspectives will be applied to understand how biological, cognitive, and socioeconomic characteristics influence development over one's lifespan.

In this course students will review career development theory as it relates to the decision- making and planning processes. Students will consider their competencies and behaviors when searching for internship and career entry positions. Learners will process feedback on their self-marketing techniques and input regarding career development practices.