ECE 321   Preschool Education 2 credits

Emphasis is placed on current best practices for three to five year olds in early childhood classrooms. The focus of the course is on developmentally appropriate practices across all curricular areas and developmental domains.

ECE 322   Kindergarten Endorsement Methods 2 credits

Emphasis is placed on an understanding of the history and current trends for Kindergarten. The focus of the course includes the development of appropriate learning environments, activities, and strategies for intentional teaching in all curricula areas. This course, like all early childhood courses, includes the themes of developmentally and culturally appropriate practices, play, behavior guidance, and partnerships with parents.

ECE 323   Kindergarten Education 2 credits

Emphasis is placed on an understanding the current best practices for children in kindergarten classrooms. The focus of the course includes the development of appropriate learning environments, schedules, routines, learning experiences, and teaching strategies, incorporating all curricular areas and developmental domains.

ECE 324   Language Development and Emergent Literacy 3 credits

This course is designed to prepare educators and allied professionals to guide young children through the process of language acquisition and emergent literacy. The research and stages of language development from birth through age seven are extensively explored. Literacy strategies are explained, modeled, and experienced. The process of acquiring English as a second language and supportive strategies from adults and peers is also explored. This course, like all early childhood courses, includes the themes of developmentally and culturally appropriate practices, play, behavior guidance and partnerships with parents. Twenty-five hours working with young children is required. (Prerequisite: PSY 210)

ECE 325   Education of Infants and Toddlers 3 credits

This course includes the study of the emerging skills and developmental characteristics of infants and toddlers (birth to age three) and how to create an educational environment to promote their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. This course is designed to provide the skills for working with young children in a variety of settings. Course topics include the impact of the early years, behavior and guidance, health and safety issues, program and teacher licensure, and work with parents. This course, like all early childhood courses, includes the themes of developmentally and culturally appropriate practices, play, behavior guidance and partnerships with parents. (Prerequisite: PSY 210)

ECE 326   Building Primary Classrooms 3 credits

Emphasis is placed on an understanding of the history, goals, and current trends in the education of primary children. The focus of the course includes the development of a creative primary learning environment and strategies in achieving the standards set by the State of Minnesota.

ECE 425   Young Children with Special Needs 2 credits

This course is designed to introduce students to the laws and techniques needed to develop curricula and instruction to meet the unique needs of individual children in the early childhood setting. Emphasis is given to the integration of theories, research, practical application, and promotion of collaboration between early childhood professionals, special educators, and parents. Particular attention is given to authentic assessment which informs instruction, program planning, and individualization of activities. Also included is the presentation and discussion of the theory of behavior guidance in an inclusive early childhood classroom. May be taken in lieu of ED 439. If so, 25+ human relations hours working with students with disabilities are required. This course, like all early childhood courses, includes the themes of developmentally and culturally appropriate practices, play, behavior guidance and partnerships with parents. (Prerequisite: PSY 210)

ECE 426   Organization and Administration of Early Childhood Education 1 credit

This course, which is normally completed during the student teaching semester, deals with the following administrative topics: responsibilities of the early childhood director, supervision and evaluation of staff, staff development, budgeting and finances, health maintenance and safety, parent involvement, and public relations. (Prerequisite: PSY 210)

ECE 427   Authentic Assessment and Guidance in ECE 3 credits

Students will examine the various methods authentic assessment strategies as a way to assess children's knowledge and skills. Additionally, classroom management strategies will be explored.

ECE 520   Effective Research Writing 3 credits

This course will emphasize the difference between academic writing for a master's program and writing for personal use. APA Formatting will be emphasized, strategies for developing a literature review, and writing for academic use will be included.

ECE 521   Topics & Research in Early Ed 3 credits

This course will explore the current research in early education focusing on the theme of evidence based practices by integrating theory with the activities of teacher researchers. Current empirical studies will be used to apply and understand research methods.

ECE 522   Play: Theoretical Foundations and Applications 3 credits

This course is a study of the various theoretical foundations of play and their application to young children's development and learning. Students examine the role of the teacher in children's play, analyze play environments, and review the issues and research affecting children and curricula.

ECE 526   Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education 3 credits

Along with the presentation of curriculum and instruction theory, this course will explore the development and implementation of early childhood curriculum and instruction. The link between assessment and program evaluation will be made.

ECE 527   Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education 3 credits

The various methods of child study, observation, portfolio development, and other assessment strategies are studied as a way to assess children's growth and the development of knowledge and skills. In addition, current classroom practices and learning environments are explored to identify changes that benefit children, their families, and communication between program and home.

ECE 541   The Diverse Classroom 3 credits

This course presents studies of education in multicultural settings. Students explore the values, beliefs, customs, and perceptions of racial and ethnic groups which affect social life and the education of children. Concepts of culture, social class, and power are developed.

ECE 544   Language Development and Emergent Literacy 3 credits

Current research is studied in regard to emergent literacy and language development in children with implications for the classroom teacher. Whole language strategies are explored for children from birth through age seven.

ECE 576   Methods, Advocacy, and Leadership in ECE 3 credits

A focus on effective programming methods, advocacy, and leadership in Early Childhood Education.

ECE 577   eFolio and Completion 3 credits

This course assists students in synthesizing previous coursework leading to greater self-reflection and assessment of learning. In addition, the student will complete, present, and discuss the final M.A. Capstone eFolio.