Early Childhood Education Courses

ECED 110                                                                                            3 credit hours
Child Development I

This course engages students in studying the characteristics and needs of children birth through age five.  Students study theories of physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development.  Emphasis is placed on knowing and understanding multiple influences on development and learning.  Students use observation techniques to collect and analyze data to evaluate if learning environments are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging.  This course includes 10 hours of observation for Level I field.  Students with credit in ELED 180 may not take ECED 110 for credit.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 101.

ECED 120                                                                                            3 credit hours
Introduction to Early Childhood Education

This course examines the historical and contemporary perspectives of early childhood education (Pre-K through 4^th grade).  It addresses developmentally appropriate practices, diverse populations, models of early childhood education, and lesson planning for diverse populations.  Students also learn to plan for inclusive learning environments and apply models of child guidance through observation and analysis. This course includes 10 hours of observation for Level I field experiences.  Students who have taken ELED 275 may not take ECED 120 for credit.

ECED 150                                                                                            3 credit hours
Child Development II

This course engages students in studying the characteristics and needs of children ages six through ten.  Theories of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development related to education, socialization, and cultural contexts are examined.  Students use observational techniques and case study to collect and analyze data as they explore the theoretical foundations of child development.  This course includes 10 hours of observation for Level 1 field experiences.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 101, ECED 110.

ECED 200                                                                                            3 credit hours
Planning, Designing, and Managing the Early Childhood Learning Environment

This course prepares candidates to construct cohesive lesson plans aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning and Academic Standards and select appropriate resources and materials.  Emphasis is placed on designing a classroom environment that addresses social, economic, and cultural diversity and their implications on planning and student learning. The importance of establishing effective management strategies and routines is stressed.  Prerequisites: ECED 110, 120, 150.  This course requires 6 hours of Level II field experience and concurrent enrollment in ECED 210 and 244. 

ECED 210                                                                                            3 credit hours
Play and Active Learning

The rationale and value of play centered and active learning approaches for young children are examined, and the dynamics and categories of play as defined by classical and contemporary theories.  Motor skills, cognitive abilities, creativity, and social-emotional factors influencing children's play are presented.  Students explore how play and projects can be integrated into the curriculum of preschool through fourth grade.  This course requires 6 hours of Level II field experience and concurrent enrollment in ECED 200 and 244.

ECED 244                                                                                            3 credit hours
Building Partnerships

This course prepares students to work with young children and their families in Head Start; public and private infant through preschool programs; and primary classrooms. The course content focuses on the family's influence on children's early development and education, the diversity among today's families, and strategies for building supportive partnerships among the family, early childhood programs and community.  Prerequisites:  ECED 110, 120, 150 and SPED 210.This course requires 6 hours of level II field experience and concurrent enrollment in ECED200 and 210.  Students who have taken ELED 344 may not take this class.

ECED 270                                                                                            3 credit hours
Literacy Foundations

This course is designed to provide candidates with a research and standard-based understanding of reading instruction essential for success for children from grades one through four.  The course provides instruction in the major areas of reading, effective programs, materials, approaches, and a variety of strategies for a diverse population. Prerequisites:  ECED 200, 210, 244, SPED 210 and PK/K block field experience Level III.  This course requires 6 hours of level II field and concurrent enrollment in ECED 290. Candidates who have taken ELED 370 may not take this course.          

ECED 290                                                                                            3 credit hours
Language Arts for Grades 1-4

This course focuses on literacy instruction involving listening and speaking, writing, spelling and grammar skills. The emphasis of the course to provide candidates with a research and standard-based understanding that the use of language arts is essential in all academic areas for children from grades one through four. Prerequisites: ECED 200, 210, 244, SPED 210 and PK/K block level III field experience. This course requires 6 hours of level II field experiences and concurrent enrollment in ECED 270.  Candidates who have taken ELED 390 may not take this course. 

ECED 340                                                                                            3 credit hours
Methods of Teaching Social Studies

This course introduces teacher candidates to social science content knowledge and procedures used to teach children from Pre-K to fourth grade.  Topics include philosophy of social studies education, curriculum planning and organization, standards, effective instruction and assessment.  Emphasis will be placed on choosing resources that differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Prerequisites: ECED 270, 290, completion of the PK/K block field experience and concurrent enrollment in the Primary Methods Block with level III field experience.  Students who have taken ELED 340 may not take this class.

ECED 341                                                                                            3 credit hours
Language and Literacy

This course examines language as the basis of all learning and provides a comprehensive study of children's literacy acquisition from birth through age 10.  It includes the psychological and socio-cultural factors affecting the development and acquisition of literacy.  It emphasizes the conceptual, experiential and language foundations for learning to read and write. Prerequisites:  ECED 110, 120, 150, 200, 210, 244, SPED 210,  and concurrent enrollment in PK/K block level III field experience.  Students who have taken ELED 341 may not take this course.

ECED 342                                                                                            3 credit hours
Math and Science in the Early Years

This course examines the natural integration of mathematics and science in early childhood education and prepares prospective preschool and kindergarten teachers to make informed decisions regarding theories, content, instructional methodologies, curricular resources, management procedures, and practical applications for implementing instruction for diverse learners in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Prerequisites: ECED 100, 101, 150,200, 210, 244, Sped 210 and concurrent enrollment in the PK/K Block with Level 3 Field.  Students who have taken ELED 342 may not take this course.

ECED 343                                                                                            3 credit hours
Creative Expressive Arts

This course presents the rationale and value of integrating the arts into the classroom curriculum.  Students examine the nature of creativity, the elements of music, and the elements and principles of art.  This course teaches methods of creating assessment-based instruction to promote artistic activities as well as adapting activities for special needs and ELL students.  Prerequisites ECED 110, 120, 150, 200, 210, 244, SPED 210 and concurrent enrollment in PreK/K block level 3 field experience. Students with credit in ELED 310, 315 or 343 cannot take ECED 343 for credit. 

ECED 345                                                                                            3 credit hours
Advocacy and Guidance

This course prepares candidates to be advocates for children and quality early education experiences.  Practices and procedures for effective advocacy are addressed.  Appropriate guidance and classroom management strategies consistent with quality early learning experiences are stressed.  Prerequisites: ECED 110, 120, 150, 200, 210, 244, SPED 210 and concurrent enrollment in PreK-K Block field experience Level III. 

ECED 350                                                                                            3 credit hours
Learning and Teaching Mathematics in Grades 1-4

This course prepares prospective teachers of mathematics to make informed decisions regarding theories, content, instructional methodologies, curricular resources, classroom management procedures, assessment techniques, and practical applications when designing, developing, and implementing instruction for diverse learners in PK-4 classrooms.  Prerequisites: ECED 270 and 290, completion of the PK/K block field experience and concurrent enrollment in the Primary/Methods Course Block with Level III Field.  Students who have taken ELED 350 may not take this class.

ECED 360                                                                                            3 credit hours
Learning and Teaching Science in Grades 1-4

This course utilizes national and state standards and hands-on, minds-on inquiry investigations to effectively prepare teacher candidates to use accurate subject matter content and assessment techniques when designing, developing, and implementing instruction for diverse learners in grades 1-4 classrooms.  Prerequisites: ECED 270 and 290, completion of the PK/K block, and concurrent enrollment in the Primary/Methods Course Block with Level III Field.  Students who have taken ELED 360 may not take this class.

ECED 370                                                                                            3 credit hours
Differentiated Reading Instruction in Grades 1-4

This course presents candidates with an understanding of how to help students who are experiencing difficulties in achieving reading success and enhance programs for advanced students. Candidates will become knowledgeable of differentiated instruction, a variety of assessments, evidence-based instructional practices, and programs for intervention.  Prerequisites:  ECED 270, 290 and PK/K block and concurrent enrollment in the Primary/Methods Block with Level III field.             

ECED 380                                                                                            3 credit hours
Data Driven Assessment for Student Learning

This course investigates the nature and scope of assessment practices used in classrooms with primary-age children.  Guiding principles and discussions of assessment types provide a framework for the development of effective practices.  Students learn to use data as an informative source in planning and teaching.  Attention is given to the collection and interpretation of data for instruction, grouping and administrative purposes.  Prerequisites:  ECED 270 and 290, completion of the PK/K block field experience and concurrent enrollment in the Primary/Methods Course Block with level III field experience.  Students who have taken ELED380 may not take this class.

ECED 381                                                                                            3 credit hours
Observation, Documentation, and Assessment in Early Childhood Education

This course identifies appropriate assessment strategies used to evaluate cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development of children, birth through age 6, and considers implications for curriculum planning. It explores the use of systematic observations, documentation and other effective assessment strategies.  Prerequisites:  ECED 110, 120, 150, 200, 244, SPED 210 and concurrent enrollment in PreK/K Block field experience Level III.  Students who have taken ELED 580 may not take this class.

ECED 495                                                                                            12 credit hours
Student Teaching

This culminating experience is coordinated and supervised by University faculty and provides opportunities for teacher candidates to display competency in teaching young children (grades PreK-4) under the direct daily supervision of a qualified cooperating teacher. This course is part of professional block and provides the Stage 4 Field Experience.   Prerequisite: candidacy.