Early Childhood Education (ECED)

The course will encompass a study of the contributions of national, state, and local agencies, referral services, and family involvement as these relate to the lives of young children.

An introduction to research studies in early childhood education and an analysis of their implications for the classroom teacher. Students will be able to engage in action research in early childhood classrooms.

An intensive study of the principles of curriculum, which includes philosophy, organization, recognition of diversity, selection and evaluation of curriculum materials, and development of an early childhood education program.

The course will address a study of the factors related to culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse young children.  Issues related to these diverse issues will be explored and effective strategies for working with these children and their families will be explored.

Formal and informal assessment strategies and tools used in the assessment of young children will be studied.  Current recommended assessment practices and research in early childhood education will be examined.

The course will facilitate the development of the research based capstone experience proposal.  The proposal must focus on some aspect of early childhood education.

Prerequisite: EDFN 5301.

Students will implement and complete their capstone proposal.  This may be a thesis or project, focus on some aspect of early childhood education and culminate in a formal written paper.

Contemporary issues in Early Childhood Education: topics vary with professional identification of participants.

An opportunity to secure practical experience in early childhood classrooms and analyze those programs in terms of available research. A personalized culminating experience for the early childhood specialist.

May be repeated when topics vary.