EDUC 121

Introduction to Teaching (3 CR)

Note: For possible future elementary/secondary educators

Teaching concepts and practices as they apply to today's elementary and secondary schools will be introduced. Topics will include the roles and responsibilities of the teacher, various modes of instruction, specialized areas in teaching, and professional requirements and concerns. Twenty hours of observation in a school setting are required. 3 hrs./wk.

EDUC 130

Foundations of Early Childhood Education (3 CR)

This introductory survey course is designed to provide students with current information on topics relevant to employment in early childhood programs. The course explores the historical and philosophical roots of early childhood education, general principles in child development, the teacher's role, values and ethics in early childhood education, curriculum design, and classroom management. Twenty hours of observation in a group childcare setting are required. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 131

Early Childhood Curriculum I (3 CR)

Prerequisite or corequisite: EDUC 130

This methods course is designed for students who are, or will be, working in an early childhood education setting and parents or others who desire to develop an intellectually challenging environment for young children. The focus of the course is curriculum areas that deal with language and physical development. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 205

Concepts in Early Childhood Education (3 CR)

Prerequisite or corequisite: EDUC 130 for certificate only

This course will provide early childhood care and education professionals, and those aspiring to the profession, with the opportunity to apply early childhood education experience and continuing professional education to college credit. Students will gain and apply knowledge in many aspects of teaching young children in child-care and educational settings. The student will spend seven hours a week (105 clock hours total) in a supervised practical experience at the Hiersteiner Child Developments Center at JCCC and will complete 1.5 CEUs in early childhood education. Credit for prior experience may be substituted for completing this course. The program facilitator must assess the documents (i.e., CDA) provided by the student and/or arrange and evaluate the practical experience before offering credit for this course. Completion of an application for this credit is required and may be obtained from the program facilitator. For certificate only. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 210

Creative Experiences for Young Children (3 CR)

Prerequisites: EDUC 130 and one of the following: PSYC 215 or PSYC 218 or EDUC 270

This course is a study of constructing and maintaining an environment for young children that fosters aesthetic sensitivity and creativity. The course includes the young child's developmental stages in art, music, movement, language, and creative and dramatic play; methods and materials that nourish developmentally appropriate creative experiences and support an inclusive, anti-bias curriculum; integration of creative experiences in the whole curriculum; the use of technology; and helping families understand the creative experience. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 215

Young Children with Special Needs (3 CR)

This course is a study of creating and maintaining a developmentally appropriate inclusive environment for young children with special needs. The course includes the history of education and care for young children with special needs, federal and state legislation, types of differing abilities, developmental stages and capabilities of all young children, an inclusive approach to early education, and curriculum development for young children with special needs. Health, safety and nutrition; screening and assessment; interaction techniques; the role of the educator specific to the child's special needs; partnering with the family, other disciplines and community; and advocating for children are presented. The laboratory will include demonstration of the subject matter. 2 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

EDUC 220

Survey of the Exceptional Child (3 CR)

This course is an overview of the field of special education geared to those who are preparing to work with students with special needs. The course provides fundamental information on the identification and exceptionality, laws and legal cases affecting the delivery of services to individuals with exceptionalities and the principles of effective educational approaches for each exceptionality. Categories of exceptionality presented include learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavior disorders, gifted and talented, communication disorders, autism, traumatic brain injury, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, other health impairments and multiple and severe disabilities. 3 hrs./ wk.

EDUC 225

Infant and Toddler Education and Care (3 CR)

Prerequisite: EDUC 130

This course is a study of creating and maintaining a developmentally appropriate environment for infants and toddlers. The course will include the history of education and care, theories of child development, developmental stages and capabilities of the very young child, and curriculum development for infants and toddlers. Health, safety and nutrition; assessment; interaction techniques; the role of the educator specific to the needs of the infant and toddler; partnering with family and community; and advocating for the very young are presented. The laboratory will include demonstration of the subject matter. 2 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

EDUC 231

Early Childhood Curriculum II (3 CR)

Prerequisite: EDUC 131

This methods course is designed for students who are, or will be, working in an early childhood education setting and parents or others who desire to develop an intellectually challenging environment for young children. The focus of the course is on curriculum areas that deal with the physical and social aspects of the world. Included in this inquiry curriculum are mathematics, science, social studies and nutrition. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 235

Parenting (2 CR)

Prerequisite or corequisite: PSYC 215 or PSYC 218 or EDUC 270

This course is a study of effective parenting. The course is designed for teachers of young children and parents and guardians who desire to provide an environment that reflects sensitivity to the unique needs of the individual child and family. Topics covered during the course are the history of child-rearing methods, an overview of child development, types of families, parent/guardian fears and concerns, purposes of child behavior, and effective communication techniques. Problem prevention and resolution, nurturing self-esteem in children and building effective, collaborative relationships between teachers and families are also covered. 2 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 240

School-Age Programs and Curriculum I (3 CR)

Prerequisite: EDUC 130

This methods course is designed for students who are, or will be, working in an early childhood education setting and parents and caregivers who desire to develop an intellectually challenging environment for school age children. The focus of the course is on curriculum areas for the school-aged child and extended day and summer programs. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 243

Issues and Skills for Paraeducators (3 CR)

Students will explore the issues, skills and challenges specific to working as a paraeducator. In particular, students will be introduced to the issues relating to the inclusion of students with special needs into the mainstream educational environment. Students will review and practice those skills necessary to being an effective member of an instructional team, including collaboration, problem solving, decision making, team building and parent outreach. 3 hrs./wk.

EDUC 245

School-Age Programs and Curriculum II (3 CR)

Prerequisite: EDUC 240

The student will study the creation and maintenance of a developmentally appropriate environment for school-age children in extended school day and summer programs. The student will acquire the skills and characteristics of effective educators. The student will explore types of programs and how to plan, implement and evaluate these programs. Also, staff supervision and development, record keeping, relevant state regulations and laws will be discussed. Collaboration with family and community, public relations and contributing to the profession will be studied. The lab will include demonstration of the subject matter. 2 hrs. lecture, 1 hrs. lab/wk.

EDUC 246

Multicultural Issues in Education (2 CR)

In this course students will explore the changing demographics of students in public schools. The course will also explore the ways in which a student's culture can affect the student's learning style, communication skill and behavior. The course will also describe strategies that take into account cultural differences, values and child-rearing practices when educators seek to create a safe and accepting environment for all students. 2 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 250

Child Health, Safety and Nutrition (3 CR)

This course is a study of the basic health, nutrition and safety management practices for young children. Information on establishing and maintaining a physically and psychologically safe and healthy learning environment appropriate for the needs of young children will be included. The interrelation of health, safety and nutrition is stressed, with emphasis on appraisal procedures, prevention and protection, services and educational experiences for young children and their families. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 260

Observing and Interacting with Young Children (3 CR)

Prerequisite: EDUC 130 and Prerequisite or corequisite: PSYC 215 or PSYC 218 or EDUC 270

This course is a study of the role of observation to assess and monitor the development and learning of children, birth through age 8, and the appropriate techniques for interacting with young children, considering their individual differences. Included will be the purposes and types of observation procedures, interpretation and use of findings, reporting techniques, and legal and ethical responsibilities. Expected age-related child behavior, fundamental principles of and theoretical approaches to child guidance, guidance techniques, working with families, and issues of diversity are presented. The laboratory will include demonstration of the subject matter. 2 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

EDUC 270

Early Childhood Development (3 CR)

This course is a comprehensive account of human development from conception though age 8. The course integrates genetic, biological, physical and social influences with psychological processes affecting the development of young children. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 280

Administration of Early Childhood Program (3 CR)

This course is a study of the organization and administration of early childhood programs. The topics include the skills and characteristics of effective administrators; types of programs; planning, implementing and evaluating programs; policy development; staff supervision and development; finances and budget; record keeping; relevant state regulations and laws; developing, equipping and maintaining a facility; organizing a developmentally appropriate environment; collaboration with family and community; public relations; and contributing to the profession. The lab will include demonstration of the subject matter. 2 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

EDUC 283

Prof. Competencies: Early Childhood Education (1 CR)

Prerequisite: Program Facilitator Approval

This course focuses on the conduct and responsibilities of the early childhood professional. Topics include early childhood education codes, laws and regulations; child development; experience planning and curriculum development; observation and guidance of young children; authentic assessment; responsibilities to the young child's family, to the community, and to the teaching profession; employability skills; self-assessment; and job seeking skills. Completion of this course is required to obtain the One Year Post-Secondary Certificate in Early Childhood Education. 1hr. lecture/wk.

EDUC 284

Seminar: Early Childhood Education (3 CR)

Prerequisite: Program Facilitator Approval Corequisite: EDUC 285

The course will focus on conduct and responsibilities of the intern; early childhood codes, laws and regulations; child development; activity planning and curriculum development; observation and guidance of young children; authentic assessment; responsibilities to the young child's family and community and to the teaching profession; employability skills; self- assessment; and job-seeking skills. The student's practical application of information in the internship will be discussed, and a portfolio will be developed. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

EDUC 285

Student Teaching: Early Childhood Education (3 CR)

Prerequisite: Program Facilitator Approval Corequisite: EDUC 284

This supervised field experience in early childhood education is designed for students to apply their knowledge of teaching young children. The student will be participating in curriculum design and presentation; observing and interacting with young children; providing for the health, safety and nutrition of young children; managing the program setting; and working with families and the community. A self-assessment and a professional development plan are completed. The student will spend 20 hours a week (320 clock hours total) in at least two different early childhood settings, serving children of two different ages.

EDUC 290

Leadership in Early Childhood Education (3 CR)

Prerequisite: Program Facilitator Approval

The student will study how early childhood education program directors lead programs and create quality environments for children, families and staff. The leadership topics include: leadership styles; developing mission statements, program philosophies, procedures, manuals and handbooks; assessing and planning for program improvements; recruiting and retaining qualified early childhood teachers; creating professional growth opportunities; developing effective staff meetings; implementing a shared decision making process; utilizing conflict resolution strategies; and developing partnerships with families and community agencies. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.