EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION courses (ECE)

A student must be admitted to the Professional Education Program before enrolling in any of these courses.

302 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3) F, SU. Introduces preschool and kindergarten theory, models of preschool programs, procedures, and materials for the classroom. Includes the importance of families, early school experience, children with special needs, and professional development. Observations in various childcare centers are required.

313 Teaching Reading in the Primary School (3) (Corequisites: ECE 314, ECE 316, ECE 319, ECE 416, and English 313) F, S. This course incorporates methods, materials, and current trends of integrated reading instruction for primary age children and includes diagnostic procedures for reading difficulties.

314 Methods of Instruction for Developmental Language Arts (3) (Corequisites: ECE 313, ECE 316, ECE 319, ECE 416, and ENG 313) F, S. Study of language acquisition and development in young children and its implication for classroom strategies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

315 ECE Social Studies/Science (3) (Corequisites: ECE 320, ECE 420, EDUC 380, and EDUC 391) F, S. Involves the study of content specific to social studies/science and participation in practical experiences that emphasize discovery learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

316 Methods of Instruction for Primary Mathematics (3) (Corequisites: ECE 313, ECE 314, ECE 319, ECE 416, and ENG 313) F, S. The special needs of primary-level students, the structure of the primary mathematics curriculum, and pedagogical techniques for meeting these special needs and developing this mathematics curriculum are studied with extensive use of filmed and taped demonstrations.

319 Clinical Experience A: Early Childhood Education (2) (Corequisites: ECE 313, ECE 314, ECE 316, ECE 416, ENG 313) F,S. Students observe, record, and assess the behaviors of children in child care centers. Students, as a class, visit special needs settings.

320 Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (3) (Corequisites: ECE 315, ECE 420, and EDUC 380, and EDUC 391) F, S. Analyzes developmentally appropriate practices on the preschool and primary level. Includes extensive information about and application of methods for emergent readers and the value of play situations in which children begin developing logical mathematical understanding. Emphasizes effective instructional assessments, screening devices and daily classroom management techniques for early learners in diverse situations.

416 Methods of Diagnostic/Prescriptive Instruction for Mathematics (3) (Corequisites: ECE 313, ECE 314, ECE 316, ECE 319, and ENG 313) F, S. Includes algorithms, heuristic sets, practical tactics, and special pedagogical techniques that can identify, then eliminate or circumvent disabling symptoms.

420 Methods and Materials for Early Childhood Education (3) (Corequisites: ECE 315, ECE 320, EDUC 380, and EDUC 391) F, S. Instructional strategies are discussed. Students are taught how to search for, analyze, assess, select, and use materials. Special attention is given to strategies and materials that facilitate work with diverse children and families. Taped models of instruction are shown. Simulated lessons are used.