Early Childhood Education Undergraduate Curriculum

Pre-professional Coursework (Freshman and Sophmore Years)

EDHD 210 Foundations of Early Childhood Education (3 credits) (regular grading)

This course provides an overview of the historical, philosophical, psychological and contemporary influences on the field of Early Childhood Education. Students will explore developmentally appropriate practices across cultures to include: the role of play; the importance of classroom environments; and the development of domain specific knowledge. This course must be taken concurrent with Exploring Teaching.

EDHD 220 Exploring Teaching in Early Childhood Education (3 credits) (regular grading) Practicum 1

Practicum with preschool age children at the Center for Young Children, University lab school, and other preschools. Students reflect on personal strengths, identify areas of growth, and examine their predisposition to teach. Discussion of childcare and the administration of programs for young children. This course must be taken concurrent with Foundations of Early Childhood Education.

EDHD 222 Literature in the Early Childhood Classroom (3 credits) (regular grading)

Introduces students to the realm of literature for young children. Through studying, reading, listening to and using books and poems, students develop an understanding about qualities in literature that are meaningful to children.

EDHD 285 Designing Multimedia Computer Environments for Learners (3 credits) (regular grading)

This course focuses on how new computer technologies for learners can be created and used in an educational setting. The following topics will be explored: understanding the learner as a technology user, defining learning outcomes to be supported by technology, differing approaches to the technology design process and methods of technology integration in the classroom. During class sessions, the readings will be discussed in relation to small group design projects. In the last third of the semester, Students will use their understanding of the technology development process to create a new learning tool of their choice. Students with all levels of technology experience are welcome to take this course. In addition, students from all disciplines (e.g., computer science, education, library studies, art, psychology and more) are welcome to take this multidisciplinary course.

EDHD 317 Wolf Trap Presents: An Introduction to the Performing Arts (optional Winter Term) (Pass/Fail)

This course introduces the creative arts to early childhood students. Theoretical foundations and children's learning styles are discussed. Included is an overview of the arts and strategies for art integration in classroom programs. Students will work directly with Wolf Trap artists and young children.

Professional Coursework (Junior and Senior Years)

EDHD 314 Reading in the Early Childhood Classroom: Part 1 Instruction and Materials (3 credits) (regular grading)

The primary purpose of this course is to introduce early childhood students to current research and methods on teaching reading. This course will show beginning teachers how to develop a balanced program of graphophonics, semantics, and syntactics in teaching reading. Materials such as texts and graphic organizers will be introduced. Strategies for selecting and evaluating materials for reading and writing will be addressed.

Prerequisite: EDHD 425
Co-requisites: EDHD 424, EDHD 419B, EDHD 313, EDSP 470

EDHD 415 Social Competence in Young Children (3 credits) (regular grading)

In this course, we will discuss issues and topics relevant to the study of children's social competence, peer interactions, relationships, and groups. Several themes will run through the course material: (1) the interdependence of individual characteristics (temperament, personality, gender), social behaviors (aggression, helping/sharing), social relationships (friendships), and social groups (peer networks); (2) the relationships between familial and extra familial interactions and relationships; (3) causes and consequences of peer interactions; (4) cross cultural universals.

EDHD 419A Human Development and Learning: Conception to Toddlerhood (Infant Observations Required) (3 credits) (regular grading)

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of child development from the prenatal period through the toddler years. Students are expected to acquireknowledge regarding a wide spectrum of newborn, infant, and toddler behaviors as they explore accomplishments and challenges within the domains of Perceptual, Motor, Cognitive, Social, and Language Development. Students will also explore issues related to the promotion of healthy development. Knowledge of theory and research in child will be enhanced through a series of observational experiences.

*Two Core Requirements should also be taken during this semester.

EDHD 424 Cultural and Community Perspectives: The diverse world of the child (3 credits) (regular grading)

This course explores the development of the young child in the context of the family and community, with particular emphasis on the impact of state, federal and school system policy on the child's world. Based on the foundation of the ecological theoryof development and current research, the course will consider issues within the family, and the wider socio-cultural ecology that relate to the child's ability to develop and learn.

Corequisites: EDHD 314, EDHD 419B, EDHD 313, EDSP 470.

EDHD 425 Language Development and Reading Acquisition (3 credits) (regular grading)

This course is designed to instill an understanding of young children's language development and the relationship between language and reading acquisition. Students will becomes familiar with: concepts used to describe language development, the language achievements of children at different ages, and what we currently know about the biological basis of this development. Students will also gain concepts in emergent literacy, and models of reading acquisition and skilled reading. Moreover, the relationship between individual differences in language abilities and reading acquisition will be emphasized. We will also examine factors in early childhood environments and in beginning literacy instruction that impacts language and literacy achievement.

EDHD 419B Human Development and Learning: Preschool through Primary (3 credits) (regular grading)

This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of child development from the preschool through primary years. Students are expected to acquire knowledge regarding a wide spectrum of behaviors as they explore accomplishments and challenges within the domains of Perceptual, Motor, Cognitive, Social, and Language Development. Knowledge of theory and research in child development will be enhanced through a series of observational experiences.

Prerequisite: EDHD 419A Co-requisites: EDHD 424, EDHD 314, EDHD 313, EDSP 470

EDHD 313 Creative Experiences for the Young Child (3 credits) (regular grading)

This course is founded in the following: firstly, that in young children, creative expression and aesthetic sensibilities are innate not taught: secondly, if appropriately directed, this creativity can facilitate cognitive development.

Co-requisites: EDHD 424, EDHD 419B, EDHD 314, EDSP 470

EDSP 470A Introduction to Special Education (3 credits) (regular grading)

Course is designed to give an understanding of the needs of all types of exceptional children.

Co-requisites: EDHD 424, EDHD 419B, EDHD, 313, EDHD 314

EDHD 440 Global Perspectives: Study Abroad (3 weeks) 1-5 credits (regular grading)

The goal of this study abroad program is to introduce students to a different culture and educational system. Countries visited and explored will be varied. The primary purpose is to learn about how countries fund and support early childhood programs. It is also hoped that exemplary practice will be observed. Some countries that might be a part of this June month abroad are Italy, Denmark, Japan, Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and Israel. This is not an all inclusive list. Italy will be the first country to visit. The preschools of Reggio Emilia are world renown and would be an excellent experience for early childhood students. Students will have an in depth study of another country's educational system for young children. Policy and practice will be explored. A visit to the country under study will be the culminating activity.

EDHD 427 Constructing and Integrating the Early Childhood Curriculum (3 credits) (regular grading)

This course explores the world from the child's perspective and constructs curriculum based on cognition, learning, and children's experiences. The integrated curriculum is the overarching framework for this course. Science. mathematics, social studies, and literacy are discussed from this perspective. Topics discussed are developmentally appropriate practice, exploring the curriculum models, planning; classroom environment, play, and differentiation of curricula are discussed. An action research proposal is a requirement for this course.

Prerequisites: EDHD 424, EDHD 419B, EDHD, 313, EDHD 314, EDSP 470
Co-requisites: EDHD 323, EDHD 321, EDHD 322, EDHD 315, EDHD 435

EDHD 323 Children Study their World (2 credits) (regular grading)

The purpose of this course is to provide a theoretical framework for pre-service teachers to understand and implement a developmentally appropriate social studies curriculum. This course will focus on methods of implementing theories of child development and curriculum which foster higher level thinking skills in young children. Students will learn to plan, implement, and evaluate authentic asocial studies experiences.

Prerequisites: EDHD 424, EDHD 419B, EDHD, 313, EDHD 314, EDSP 470
Co-requisites: EDHD 427, EDHD 321, EDHD 322, EDHD 315, EDHD 435

EDHD 321 The Young Child as Scientist (2 credits) (regular grading)

This course is designed to provide theoretical and practical knowledge for teaching science in early childhood classrooms. Appropriate teaching strategies and materials of instruction are presented for teaching in diverse settings. Students will analyze established curricula and participate in science teaching as part of a concurrent field placement.

Prerequisites: EDHD 424, EDHD 419B, EDHD, 313, EDHD 314, EDSP 470
Co-requisites: EDHD 427, EDHD 322, EDHD 323, EDHD 315, EDHD 435

EDHD 322 The Young Child as Mathematician (regular grading)

This course is designed to engage early childhood education majors in mathematics as a creative process and dynamic way of thinking. Throughout this process students will acquire the pedagogical knowledge important to the teaching of a contemporary mathematics course in grades pre-K through 3. A particular emphasis will be placed on strategies for understanding the thinking of students, research on students' development of concepts and procedures, and what pedagogical strategies may be useful in helpingstudents develop those concepts and procedures. Observation and reflection on pre-K-3 student responses and the use of reflection to modify instructional decisions will be an important part of the course.

Prerequisites: EDHD 424, EDHD 419B, EDHD, 313, EDHD 314, EDSP 470
Co-requisites: EDHD 427,EDHD 321, EDHD 323, EDHD 315, EDHD 435

EDHD 315 Reading in the Early Childhood Classroom: Part 2 Instruction and Materials (3 credits) (regular grading)

Part 2 builds on the theories and teaching strategies of the pre-requisite course (EDHD 314). Students willfocus on the teaching of reading and writing with primaryage students. Students will also apply their learning in their practicum as they work with beginning readers.

Prerequisites: EDHD 314, EDHD 424, EDHD 419B, EDHD, 313, EDHD 314, EDSP 470
Co-requisites: EDHD 427, EDHD 321, EDHD 322, EDHD 323, EDHD 435

EDHD 435 Effective Components of the Early Childhood Classroom (3 credits) (regular grading)

This course explores three topics integral to effective, child-centered early childhood classrooms: assessment, classroom management, and parent involvement.

Prerequisites: EDHD 314, EDHD 424,EDHD 419B, EDHD, 313, EDHD 314, EDSP 470
Co-requisites: EDHD 427, EDHD 321, EDHD 322,EDHD 323, EDHD 315

EDCI 464 Assessment of Reading (3 credits) (regular grading)

This course examines reading assessment theory, reading assessment materials, and reading assessment procedures. Students will learn to use a variety of reading assessments in a valid and reliable manner to make ongoing instructional changes, and to maintain successful classroom practice. Students will also examine their knowledge and beliefs related to reading assessment, reading, students and schooling.

Prerequisite: EDHD 425, EDHD 314, EDHD 315
Co-requisite: EDHD 423

EDHD 432 Student Teaching in Early Childhood Education (12 credits)

Prerequisite: completion of all professional coursework.
Co-requisite: EDCI 464