Early Childhood Education (307)

This course explores strategies to encourage the development of early language and literacy knowledge and skill building in children birth to 8 years of age. Students will investigate the components of literacy including; literacy and a source of enjoyment, vocabulary and oral language, phonological awareness, knowledge of print, letters and words, comprehension and an understanding of books and other texts. Theories and philosophies regarding children's language and literacy development will be addressed. Dual language learning will be examined within the context of developmentally appropriate practices. Assessment tools for early language and literacy acquisition will be reviewed.

Focuses on beginning-level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of Social Studies, Art, Music, & Movement (SSAMM) for Early Childhood Education. The importance of play-based learning and developmentally appropriate environments as it relates to SSAMM will be stressed. Students will also plan learning experiences and compile them to create a complete unit of study.

This 3-credit course will focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. (Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in 307-110 ECE: Social Studies, Art, Music and Movement)

Emphasizes the skills needed for students to demonstrate practical application of skills and theory learned in previous courses. Students create individual portfolios of representative examples of their work to submit to the Registry for evaluation. Student must be working in or be willing to be placed in a classroom appropriate to the age of their capstone. (Prerequisites: Criminal Background Check; Background Information Disclosure Form; CPR and completed Health Form required)

Introduces students to the early childhood profession. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; investigate the history of early childhood education; summarize types of early childhood education settings; identify the components of a quality early childhood education program; summarize responsibilities of early childhood education professionals; explore early childhood curriculum models; analyze the principles of the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. Credit for Prior Learning Available

Students study infant and toddler development as it applies to an early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; analyze development of infants and toddlers (conception to three years); correlate prenatal conditions with development; summarize child development theories; analyze the role of heredity and the environment; examine culturally and developmentally appropriate environments for infants and toddlers; examine the role of brain development in early learning (conception through age three); examine caregiving routines as curriculum. Credit for Prior Learning Available

This 3-credit introductory field experience course, introduces the foundations of early childhood education under guided supervision of a mentor teacher in an early childhood setting, working with children birth through age 8. This course meets the requirements for the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards 18-hour training. (Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in 890-101 College 101; 307-110 ECE: Social Studies, Art, Music and Movement; 307-167 ECE: Health, Safety and Nutrition. Requirements must be completed by due date: Infant Child CPR with AED, health requirements, and Criminal Background Check) Credit for Prior Learning Available

Examines the topics of health, safety and nutrition within the context of the early childhood educational setting. Course competencies include integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; follow governmental regulations and professional standards as they apply to health, safety and nutrition; provide a safe early childhood program; provide a healthy early childhood program; provide a nutritionally sound early childhood program; adhere to child abuse and neglect mandates; apply Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk reduction strategies; incorporate health, safety and nutrition concepts into the children's curriculum. Highly recommend taking this course with an ECE practicum course. Credit for Prior Learning Available

Examines the principles of developmentally appropriate infant/toddler care in center-based and family-child care settings. Program environment, structure and philosophy are explored as are diversity and inclusion and relevant health and safety issues.

This 3-credit intermediate field experience course includes assisting the mentor teacher in carrying out classroom routines and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that promote child development and learning through play for children birth to age 8. (Prerequisites: 307-160 ECE: Field Experience 1. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in 307-108 ECE: Early Language and Literacy; 307-188 ECE: Guiding Children's Behavior) Credit for Prior Learning Available

Prepares students to explore the standards for quality early childhood education, demonstrate professional behaviors, and meet the requirements for training in the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. Students will learn strategies for instruction that support diversity and cultural awareness. Students will also be able to practice and model professional behaviors, interpersonal skills with children and adults, and evaluate and adapt early childhood educational programs that promote performance standards and experiential learning. (Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in 890-101 College 101. Concurrent enrollment in 307-110 ECE: Social Studies, Art, Music and Movement; 307-167 ECE: Health, Safety and Nutrition. Requirements must be completed by due date; Infant Child CPR with AED, health requirements, and Criminal Background Check) Credit for Prior Learning Available

This course will apply as the capstone course in The Registry Preschool Credential. You will be placed or working in an early childhood setting with 3-5 year old children and create a portfolio that prepares you for The Registry commission. In this course you will be implementing regulations and standards for quality early childhood education, applying knowledge of child development and positive guidance, utilizing observation and assessment techniques, and assessing developmentally appropriate environments for preschoolers.(Prerequisites: 307-174 ECE: Introductory Practicum (except Preschool Credential). Completion of or concurrent enrollment in 307-108 ECE: Early Language and Literacy; 307-188 ECE: Guiding Children's Behavior) Credit for Prior Learning Available

Examines child development within the context of the early childhood education setting. Students will investigate such topics as integrating strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; analyzing social, cultural, and economic influences on child development; child development theories; analyzation of the development of children ages three through five and children ages five through eight; relating child development research findings to teaching practice; analyzing the role of heredity and the environment; examining the role of brain development in early learning (ages 3-8); and examining developmental and environmental assessment strategies for children ages 3-8. Credit for Prior Learning Available

This is the second of six courses designed to prepare participants to receive a credential as a child care administrator. Like the other five courses, it is developed to meet the needs of those who are employed or would like to be employed as administrators in child care programs, Head Start, nursery schools, school age programs, family child care, child welfare service agencies, public and private schools, and other early care and education programs. Includes an introduction to systems and operations theory and the identification of concepts, processes, systems, and policies involved in the internal management of early care and education programs. Offers opportunity to apply this knowledge to plans for the improvement of these necessary systems, and for the development of standard operating procedures as appropriate.

A review of principles and practices in budget planning and preparation and fiscal management, including hands-on experience with program applications.

Review of early care and education programs including determination of community child care needs, marketing, laws and regulations, working with government and community agencies, and political and societal issues and trends.

Establishing and maintaining quality programs based on professional standards and the best available information on child growth and development. Includes a review of literature and research studies, examination of guidelines set for licensing, credentialing of staff and national accreditations of programs, funding requirements and performance standards.

Culminating experience in the credential course sequence. Individual projects are required with a focus on the integration of program aspects in developing strategic planning for change. (Prerequisites: 307-181 ECE: Child Care Operations Management; 307-182 ECE: Child Care Financial Management; 307-204 ECE: Child Care Administration and Supervision. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in 307-184 Child Care External Environment; 307-185 ECE: Child Care Best Practices)

Focuses on the child with differing abilities in an early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; provide inclusive programs for young children; apply legal and ethical requirements including, but not limited to, ADA and IDEA; work collaboratively through the consultation process to embed intervention in natural based settings; differentiate between typical and exceptional development; analyze the differing abilities of children with physical, cognitive, health/medical, communication, and/or behavioral/emotional disorders; work collaboratively with community and professional resources; utilize an individual educational plan (IEP/IFSP) for children with developmental differences; adapt curriculum to meet the needs of children with developmental differences; cultivate partnerships with families who have children with developmental differences.

This course examines positive strategies to guide children's behavior in the early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; summarize early childhood guidance principles; analyze factors that affect the behavior of children; practice positive guidance strategies; develop guidance strategies to meet individual needs; create a guidance philosophy. This course meets the requirements of the "24 hour Wisconsin" Pyramid Model training".

This 3-credit advanced field experience course focuses on supporting young children's development birth to age 8 through observation, assessment, and implementation of developmentally appropriate teaching strategies. (Prerequisites: 307-160 ECE: Field Experience 1, 307-170 ECE: Field Experience 2. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in 307-151 ECE: Infant and Toddler Development) Credit for Prior Learning Available

Students will examine the role of relationships with family and community in early childhood education. Course competencies include: implement strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives when working with families and community; analyze contemporary family patterns, trends, and relationships; utilize effective communication strategies; establish ongoing relationships with families; advocate for children and families; work collaboratively with community resources.

An overview of roles and responsibilities of directors, supervisors, coordinators and other administrators in early childhood programs.

This final 3-credit pre-professional field experience course focuses on demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of children birth to age 8, and families. An emphasis is on practicing the lead teacher role to design, implement and evaluate a connected unit of learning experiences. (Prerequisites: 307-112 ECE: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; 307-160 ECE: Field Experience 1; 307-170 ECE: Field Experience 2; 307-190 ECE: Field Experience 3. Completion of or concurrent enrollment in 307-195 ECE: Family and Community Relationships)