ECE - Early Childhood Education (ECE)

*Course Fees are Per Credit Hour

ECE 000. Graduate Capstone. (0 Credits)

Required course for candidates pursuing a master's degree in Early Childhood Education with the exception of the Alt-A Program. A grade of S (Satisfactory) is given to candidates who successfully complete the Capstone Assessment. ECE 000 is required during the candidate's final semester. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

ECE 500. Seminar in Early Childhood Education. (1 Credit)

An introduction to the study of teaching as a profession with an emphasis on the role of the early childhood teacher, professionalism, and developmentally appropriate practice related to early childhood education. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Course Fees: $75

ECE 506. Advanced Studies in Numbers and Operations in Early Childhood Education. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on practical techniques and methods for guiding early numeracy and mathematical learning in the primary grades (K–2) with emphasis placed on integrated mathematics content and pedagogy. Candidates will explore how young children develop early numeracy skills through standards-based instruction in counting, operations, place value, and algebraic reasoning. Emphasis will be placed on understanding, explaining, and modeling foundational concepts such as counting principles, the structure of the base-ten system, strategies for addition and subtraction, and the use of various models, drawings and manipulatives to support conceptual understanding, and implementing number sense routines. Pedagogy integrated throughout the course emphasizes applying the Standards for Mathematical Practices as productive habits of mind. Additional emphasis placed on applying the Mathematical Teaching Practices as high-leverage practices for mathematics teachers. Teaching experiences will highlight strategies for instruction, assessment, and analysis of children’s mathematical learning, with a focus on fostering deep conceptual understanding and effective problem solving. Class and field experiences will also highlight number sense routines and addressing student misconceptions through error analysis, differentiated learning, and scaffolding instruction. Additionally, graduate students seeking initial certification will complete modules for advanced studies in mathematical and algebraic reasoning. (Fall, Spring)

Course Fees: $75

ECE 510. Infants and Toddlers. (3 Credits)

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the field of infant and toddler (i.e., birth to 36 months) childcare. Specifically, students will examine appropriate childcare practices based on a developmental perspective of education. Topics include a discussion of infants' and toddlers' physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development; appropriate care and routines of infants and toddlers; building relationships with infants and toddlers; guiding the behaviors of infants and toddlers; effective communication with families and colleagues; responsive and culturally sensitive caregiving techniques; and the design of an infant/toddler program. Prerequisite: ASBI/FBI background clearance. (Fall)

Course Fees: $75

ECE 550. Inquiry and Investigation in Early Childhood Education. (3 Credits)

A study of research-based strategies that promote inquiry, engagement, and investigation in science and social studies. Assessment, intervention, and acceleration strategies will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on producing original research related to inquiry and investigation in the early childhood classroom. (Summer)

Course Fees: $75

ECE 570. Clinical Residency in Early Childhood Education. (3 Credits)

A residency designed to support teacher candidates in their demonstration of teaching quality and effectiveness. Candidates will bridge theory to practice as they collaborate with a teacher in an early childhood classroom to engage in the planning, teaching, and assessment of curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on producing original research related to planning, instruction, and assessment in the early childhood classroom. To be completed the semester prior to internship. (Spring)

Course Fees: $75

ECE 572. Early Childhood Education Internship. (9 Credits)

Supervised observation, the study of learners, the study and use of desirable teaching methods in learning situations. This internship is a full day, full semester experience. The internship shall include a placement with at least two of the following age groups: birth-age3, age 3-5, age 5-8. International students must receive approval from the Office of International Affairs prior to course registration. (Fall, Spring)

Course Fees: $75

ECE 603. Behavior of the Young Child. (3 Credits)

Advanced studies of the behavior of young children focusing on research to analyze the strengths, needs, and motivations of children aged birth though eight. Instruction will emphasize the role of play in the early childhood and elementary environments.

Course Fees: $75

ECE 604. Partnerships in the Education of the Young Children. (3 Credits)

Advanced studies of the interrelationships that exist in early childhood education related to analyzing, planning, and facilitating effective communication and strategic partnerships.

Course Fees: $75

ECE 609. Early Childhood Programs. (3 Credits)

Advanced studies of programs in early childhood education. Instruction will focus on both historical and current programs and their organization, purpose, and impact on the profession. (Fall, Summer)

Course Fees: $75

ECE 610. Reading and the Language Arts in Early Childhood Education. (6 Credits)

A study of research and instructional strategies used to teach early childhood reading and language arts. Candidates seeking initial certification will explore and engage in opportunities to apply theory, instructional strategies, and materials for guiding the young child in initial reading and language arts. Emphasis will be placed on producing original research related to reading and the language arts in early childhood classrooms. (Fall, Spring)

Course Fees: $75

ECE 637. Issues in Early Childhood Education. (3 Credits)

Study of selected problems facing early childhood school teachers as identified through professional literature, interviews with educators, and discussion. Students will select one or more actual problems confronted in their situation and develop a plan for it solution.

Course Fees: $75

ECE 652. Child, Family, School Collaboration. (1-3 Credits)

A special topics course used within the Teaching, Learning, and Leadership department used for multiple topics.

Course Fees: $75

ECE 673. Methods and Materials in Early Childhood Education. (3 Credits)

Advanced studies of appropriate methods and materials for the development and education of young children. Instruction will emphasize the creation of developmentally appropriate instruction. (Fall)

Course Fees: $75

ECE 679. Continued Enrollment. (1-3 Credits)

Course Fees: $75

ECE 779. Continued Enrollment. (1-3 Credits)

Course Fees: $75