ECE 100
3 credits
Human Development I
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to the ECE certificate program, or permission from the ECE department head.
This course focuses on the methods used by psychologists and educators in learning more about children. It introduces students to major theories of human development, cognitive, and social-emotional development from conception to the age of two.
ECE 101
3 credits
Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education certificate, or department head’s permission.
This course introduces students to the history and philosophies of the ECE field. The legal, fiscal, and social contexts of ECE are examined as well as a variety of programs and learning environments for groups of young children.
ECE 102
3 credits
Introduction to Early Childhood Guidance
Prerequisite(s): ECE 100 and ECE 103; or department head’s permission.
This course is an introduction to the history and philosophies of the ECE field as they relate to child guidance. A focus is on the role of early childhood educators in guiding and caring for young children in a group setting.
ECE 103
3 credits
Introduction to Observing and Recording Behaviour of Young Children
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education certificate, or department head’s permission.
This course introduces students to the skill of observing and recording the behavior of young children. Different types of recording techniques are shared in observing the children’s social, play, language, motor, and cognitive development.
ECE 120
3 credits
Human Development II
Prerequisite(s): ECE 100
This course is a continuation of ECE 100, focusing on physical, cognitive, and psycho-social development in children ages two to eighteen, with an emphasis on theory and current research.
ECE 122
6 credits
Introductory Practicum
Prerequisite(s): ECE 100, ECE 102, ECE 103
Corequisite(s): ECE 125
Pre- or corequisite(s): ECE 120, ECE 123, ECE 124
Through selected field site practicum placements and seminars, participants will put ECE theories into practice, document their experiences, and plan and evaluate their learning cooperatively with sponsor supervisors, the instructor, and seminar colleagues.
ECE 123
1.5 credits
Art in Early Childhood Education
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the ECE Certificate Program.
Corequisite(s): 2nd Semester
This course explores the concept of the young child as an artist. As students develop an understanding of creativity as individual expression, they will become increasingly aware of the connection between children and their practice of art. The students’ appreciation of art as an integral part of programming will contribute to their ability to implement aesthetic and sensory experiences appropriate to the developing child.
ECE 124
3 credits
Music in Early Childhood Education
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the ECE Certificate Program
This course is designed to promote personal growth in awareness, appreciation, and enjoyment of music. It includes an overview of music as it relates to children’s concepts including timbre, dynamics, rhythm, tempo, and melody. Students will have the opportunity to explore theory and application in the areas of singing, instruments, movement, and listening.
ECE 125
3 credits
Early Childhood Programs
Prerequisite(s): Completion of the first semester of the ECE Certificate program.
Corequisite(s): ECE 120 and ECE 122
This course explores the theory and practice of creating effective learning / caring programs for children through goal-setting, preparation, implementation, and evaluation.
ECE 130
3 credits
Presenting Literature to Children
Prerequisite(s): Completion of second semester of the ECE program
Corequisite(s): ECE 132, 133, 135
This course will introduce the student to the influence of literature on young children. The relationship between literature, language, and literacy will be demonstrated by using different story presentation styles in a multicultural approach.
ECE 132
3 credits
Nutrition, Health, and Safety
Prerequisite(s): ECE 120, 122, 123, 124, 125
Acceptance into the ECE program or permission of Department Head
This course is a consideration of the health and nutritional needs of young children. Topics include nutrition, food storage, preparation, presentation, Ministry of Health requirements, planning for safety, emergency procedures, and childhood illnesses.
ECE 133
6 credits
Advanced Practicum
Prerequisite(s): ECE 122, ECE 125
Pre- or corequisite(s): ECE 130, ECE 135
This course is a continuation of ECE 122. In this course, the student practices more advanced competencies including parent interaction, self-evaluation, and peer evaluation.
ECE 135
3 credits
The Process of Curriculum Development
Prerequisite(s): ECE 122, ECE 125
This is an experiential workshop course, focusing on the relevant factors affecting curriculum planning for groups of preschool children, with a focus on science, math, and social studies.
ECE 160
3 credits
Introduction to Disabilities
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Health and Human Services certificate.
This course introduces the student to specific disabilities and explores how these disabilities affect their family, social, and educational development. Students will explore the impact of disability on individuals throughout their lifespan.
ECE 213
3 credits
Atypical Development
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the ECE diploma program
Corequisite(s): ECE 223 and ECE 224
This course is an introduction to the understanding of the development of children with exceptionalities. A variety of disabilities will be discussed in depth, with consideration on how the emotional, social, cognitive , motor, and communication development will be affected by the specific disability.
ECE 223
3 credits
Administration of Childhood Centers
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma, or department head’s permission.
This course is designed for preschool/daycare center supervisors, and/or potential administrators. The emphasis is on developing sound program management and fiscal management skills, with a focus on interpersonal relationships. Students are introduced to the responsibilities of an administrator in terms of setting up and/or maintaining an ongoing program in different types of early childhood centers.
ECE 224
3 credits
Working with Families
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma, or department head’s permission.
This course examines public and government policy, social issues, and cultural influences as they relate to and affect children and their families. Both historical and contemporary perspectives will be explored. This examination will include a review of theoretical underpinnings, while emphasizing practical applications.
ECE 242
6 credits
Practicum: Special Needs
Prerequisite(s): ECE 213, ECE 260, and admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma; or department head’s permission.
This practicum will allow students to work directly with children who require extra support. Working with children in a variety of settings, this practicum promotes skill acquisition and integration of theory into practice. Students must be available in regular daytime work hours for practicum.
ECE 243
6 credits
Practicum: Infancy
Prerequisite(s): ECE 213, ECE 269, and admission to Early Childhood Education diploma; or department head’s permission.
Students work directly with infants in a variety of settings. Emphasis is on observing, recording, health and safety issues, and transfer of infant care theory into practice. Students must be prepared to be available for regular daytime work hours for practicum.
ECE 260
3 credits
Foundations of Working with Exceptional Children
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma, or department head’s permission.
This course is designed to help students understand present practices in early childhood special education. The history of the education and care of exceptional children will be investigated. Definitions of exceptionality will be explored, including giftedness. The intent of this course is to lead students to a personal philosophical statement of principles and rights of the exceptional child.
ECE 269
3 credits
Foundations of Infant Caregiving
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma, or department head’s permission.
This course provides an examination of methods of infant caregiving. Historical practices are considered, and their influence on current practice. An overview of the development of philosophies of infant care is discussed. The context of the family-centered care model and contemporary pressures on families are reviewed.
ECE 281
3 credits
Programming for Special Needs
Prerequisite(s): ECE 213, ECE 260, and admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma; or department head’s permission.
This course utilizes a solution-focused approach. It addresses programming needs of exceptional children in preschools, daycare centers, kindergartens, and after-school programs.
ECE 282
3 credits
Programming for Infancy
Prerequisite(s): ECE 213, ECE 269, and admission to the Early Childhood Education diploma; or department head’s permission.
This course examines the theory and practice of infant care. The roles and routines of responsive infant/toddler caregiving are explored and strategies to promote optimal development are considered.
ECE 291
1.5 credits
Current Developments in ECE I
Prerequisite(s): None
A selection of current topics are addressed in workshop or mini-course format or as summer institutes. This course may be taken more than once for credit, provided the course content is different from that previously taken.
ECE 298
3 credits
Directed Studies in ECE I
Prerequisite(s): None
This course provides students opportunities to work on research projects, directed readings, or additional course work in a specified area.
ECE 299
1.5 credits
Directed Studies in ECE II
Prerequisite(s): None
This course provides students opportunities to work on research projects, directed readings, or additional course work in a specified area.
