Early Childhood Education Courses

ECE 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education - 3 credits

This course conducts an analysis of the early childhood education field with a focus on historical, social and philosophical background as well as on current and future critical issues in the field.  Discussion of developmentally appropriate practice, current teaching trends and best practices for educating all young learners are included.  The role of the family, culture, and society in early childhood education is highlighted. 

ECE 207 Emergent Literacy (PreK-Grade 1) - 3 credits

Provides prospective PreK-Grade 4 teachers with an understanding of early pre-literacy abilities and a conceptual understanding of the components of reading in the areas of phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, word study, and word awareness. Prospective teachers will develop competencies in planning and implementing learning experiences for emergent and developmental literacy using Pennsylvania learning standards PreK-Grade 1 for language arts including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

ECE 301 Early Childhood Education Assessment I - 3 credits

This course prepares the Early Childhood Educator to develop appropriate assessment tools for grades PreK to 4. This course is the first of two assessment courses for the Early Childhood pre-service educator. This course emphasizes the bases for classroom assessments and the use and interpretation of standardized tests. (Prerequisites: ECE 101, EDU 102)

ECE 302 Early Childhood Education Assessment II - 3 credits

This course prepares the Early Childhood Educator to develop appropriate assessment tools for grades PreK to 4. This course is the second of two assessment courses for the Early Childhood pre-service educator. This course emphasizes the creation and use of classroom assessments and grading options. (Prerequisite: ECE 301)

ECE 305 Issues and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education - 3 credits

Prospective early childhood educators will study and reflect on the ethical and professional responsibilities of the early childhood profession. This course provides an overview of critical issues and developing family and community collaborative partnerships. Students will develop problem solving strategies and the expertise necessary to become a reflective decision maker and advocate for families of students with and without exceptional learning needs. Focus will be on establishing and sustaining partnerships with families and linking families to appropriate community resources. (Prerequisites: EDU 102 and ECE 101)