This course covers the study of social, emotional, intellectual, physical, creative, and spiritual areas of development from conception through middle childhood with an emphasis on the preschool years. Theories of development are studied along with the various stages of growth. These concepts will be presented from a Biblical perspective.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course covers the study of how family, school, and community affect a child's development. An emphasis will be placed on the family unit and the parents' roles in being the primary educator of their child. Community resources are investigated and advocacy for children is explored.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This class provides an overview of the planning, preparation, and delivery of a developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children. The role of the teacher and the curriculum in supporting the development of the whole child are analyzed. The class covers the basic components and developmentally appropriate implementation of curriculum across content areas. Though not required, completion of Child Growth and Development is recommended.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course presents an overview of the historical development and philosophies of early education. Students will examine the relationship among developmental theory, philosophy, and practice in early education. Students will explore a wide range of early childhood curriculum models. The ecological contexts and relationships affecting young children's development will be analyzed. This course includes a review of teaching strategies supporting all children's development. Though not required, completion of ECED-101 Child Growth and Development is recommended.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course is an overview of the characteristic needs of infants and toddlers, birth through age three. Appropriate learning environments and routine experiences are discussed. Social, cognitive, physical, and sensory motor behavior patterns are applied in theory and through observation in relation to the environment. A focus on the development of curriculum in meeting the individual needs of the children and the role of the teacher in facilitating growth through play experiences is emphasized.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Application of the basic principles for the establishment, operation, supervision and evaluation of a preschool/daycare program is examined. This includes an overview and history of early childhood education programs, philosophy development, licensing standards, and assessment of management techniques. Christian philosophy and development are integrated. This course meets the minimum licensing course requirement for operating a licensed daycare program.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Application of advanced principles for the ongoing operation, supervision and evaluation of a preschool/daycare program are examined. This includes an in-depth look into managing staff and personnel issues, along with public relations and board development. Parent partnership and operational policies are discussed. Christian philosophy and development are integrated. This course meets the minimum licensing requirement for operating a licensed daycare program.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course examines current issues facing the early childhood education professional in understanding diversity as it impacts the classroom. The increased diversity of race, ethnicity, culture, linguistics, and disabilities or developmental delays brings many challenges, as well as many opportunities, to educators. Factors of working with and supporting diverse populations of young children and their families are discussed, including relevant teaching methods and materials.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course is designed to demonstrate practical application of developmentally appropriate early childhood education techniques and skills. Emphasis is placed on designing, implementing, and evaluating classroom experiences for young children. Observation and evaluation of classroom experiences, environmental design, classroom management, and parent communication are emphasized to promote optimal development for young children. Biblical perspectives are integrated throughout the course. Fieldwork is completed in the student's own classroom, or by approval of the instructor. Students complete 50 hours in an early childhood setting. Students videotape their teaching in order to be evaluated by the instructor and fellow classmates. Though not required, ECED 101 and ECED 106 are recommended prior to taking this course.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course presents healthy practices that promote safety, nutrition, and wellness for the young child. Strategies are introduced that include families in developing health awareness. In addition, safety issues inclusive of disaster and emergency planning, along with creating safe environments within an early childhood education setting are emphasized.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course offers opportunities for students to develop in-depth knowledge and skills as early childhood education professionals with a focus on research, policy, and best practices in early childhood education assessment that is linked to curriculum planning and program evaluation. Focus is placed on acquiring knowledge about informal and formal developmental screening assessment instruments for young children, and how to select and use appropriate assessments to determine initial information that facilitates individual learning environments and strategies. Though not required, completion of ECED 101 and ECED 106 are recommended.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course covers the methods and principles of supervising adults who are teachers, assistants, or volunteers in early childhood education classrooms. Emphasis is placed on the role of experienced classroom teachers who function as mentors to new teachers while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, parents and other staff. Though not required, ECED 101 and ECED 103 are recommended prior to taking this course.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course explores how children develop between the ages of three and six, and what programs are developmentally appropriate for this age group, by examining principles and the best practices of early childhood education curriculum that promotes effective transition from preschool to kindergarten programs. Students discuss different curricula and how to effectively integrate multiple content areas into one program. Current research on developmental milestones, preparing the classroom, and guiding children's social behavior are reviewed and discussed. Students examine how school goals have changed over time, and the importance of getting parents involved in the early childhood education classroom. Students develop their own integrated curriculum plan and understand how to assess young children using multiple measures.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course furthers students' own understanding and personal journey of spiritual formation and how that relates to the spiritual transformation of young children. The process of how the inner life is formed in young children toward an intimate relationship with God is discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on relationship, experience, and practice of the spiritual disciplines that create the context for spiritual formation to occur. A systematic approach is given that lays the foundation for regular practices in the classroom. The relationship between the church, home, and the early childhood education program is explored as the foundational environments where spiritual transformation is developed.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course provides an understanding of the uniqueness of infant and toddler curriculum, and how to demonstrate a practical application of developmentally appropriate infant and toddler teaching techniques and skills. Emphasis is placed on designing, implementing, and evaluating classroom experiences for children ages 0 to 2. Observation and evaluation of classroom experiences, environmental design, classroom management, and parent communication are emphasized to promote optimal development for young children. Biblical perspectives are integrated throughout the course. Fieldwork is completed in the student's own classroom, or by approval of the instructor. Students videotape their teaching in order to be evaluated by the instructor and fellow classmates. Though not required, ECED 101 and ECED 109 are recommended prior to taking this course.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course provides an overview of early childhood education for children ages 0 to 8 in developmental theories and history of early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practices based on Constructivism-based curricula, working with families in diverse communities, and becoming an early childhood education professional. (This course is cross listed with EDUC-250 in the residential undergraduate program.)

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

This course examines appropriate child guidance principles and practice. Positive teacher/child interactions along with guidance techniques, teaching self-regulation and self-control concepts, setting clear expectations and affirming positive behavior, classroom management techniques, and conflict resolution strategies are examined. Parental involvement and school/family partnerships are incorporated to serve children in their supporting environments. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course examines and celebrates infant and toddler development from pre-birth through age 36 months. The course focuses on the importance of families' and caregivers' relationships and responsiveness in interactions with young children emphasizing the whole-child approach to development. Developmentally appropriate guidance using a relationship-based model is introduced. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course provides an overview of children ages 0-12 with exceptional cognitive, physical, social, and/or emotional characteristics, including learning disabilities. Students are introduced to special education laws and their implications for delivery systems, transition plans, and identification and placement procedures. Assessment and screening strategies are discussed to meet the educational needs of all students. A Biblical perspective of serving all children is part of the course, including rationale and strategies for honoring young children and families. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course is designed to equip early childhood educators who teach special needs students to demonstrate best practices in his or her classroom. This course covers teaching common core Language Arts, Math and Science, and creating instructions and assessment. The concepts of embedding instruction and inclusion in the classroom are explored. Requirement for Special Education emphasis. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course reviews developmental theory and research about mathematical education in the early childhood years. Early childhood educators will investigate the interrelationship of math concepts in cooperation with STEAM education, and explore an organized, sequential approach to creating developmentally appropriate math curriculum for young children. Concepts of God as the creator and master designer will be presented as students construct knowledge through a dynamic, interactive process that facilitates their development of working theories relating to mathematics and STEAM education. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course reviews developmental theory and research about science educatiuon in the early childhood years. Early childhood educators will investigate the interrelationship of science concepts in cooperation with STEAM education, and explore an organized, sequential approach to creating developmentally appropraite science curriculum for young children. Concepts of God as the creator and master designer will be presented as students construct knowledge through a dynamic, interactive process that facilitates their development of working theories relating to science and STEAM education. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course reviews developmental theory and research of art education and the development of creativity in the early childhood years. Early childhood educators will investigate the interrelationship of math, science, literature, and social studies in cooperation with STEAM education, in order to explore an organized, sequential approach to creating developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children that embraces creativity and self-expression through the arts. Concepts of God as the creator and master designer will be presented as students construct knowledge through a dynamic, interactive process that facilitates their development of working theories relating to creativity and STEAM education.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course examines the role of educators in developing moral and ethical behavior in young children. Character traits that are reflective of a Spirit-filled classroom are defined and identified. Students explore different theories of moral development and identify knowledge, skills, and dispositions that can be integrated into the life of the classroom. Biblical principles of moral development are studied along with strategies that integrate these concepts into the curriculum content. Students examine early childhood education centers for moral and character development curriculum content, and a strategic plan is developed to enhance moral development. Students are challenged to be an effective role model and to identify their own personal strengths and growth areas. Developmentally-effective methods of instruction are discussed, including the use of a variety of hands-on materials to reinforce concrete learning. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course provides information about the advanced skills needed to manage and lead in early childhood education settings. Students develop skills in personal and professional self-awareness, fiscal management, facilities management, family support and educational programming. Special emphasis is placed on management theory and decision making. Through this course, students develop an understanding of their own leadership and management style. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course examines transitional kindergarten programs in the private and public sector. An in-depth look at the developmental needs of 4-1/2- to 6-year-olds is included. Aspects of current brain research on the connection of curriculum to targeted learning outcomes is reviewed. Specific strategies for measuring developmental milestones for learning are included, preparing early childhood educators to adequately assess developmentally-effective progression. Aspects of creating effective transitions from preschool to kindergarten programs, including perceptions, expectations, and practices that build strong partnerships with families and elementary schools, are covered. Appropriate levels of instruction and developmentally appropriate environments are explored. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

This course introduces the use of technology in the early education setting to enhance STEAM (emphasis on engineering) teaching, learning, and program support. Topics will include the use of technology in the classroom, communication with families, and teacher training. With an emphasis on engineering, students will be able to understand and apply technology-enhanced instruction and utilize a variety of resources in order to create project-based STEAM learning experiences in the classroom. Through learning the concepts of technology and engineering in the development of children ages 0-8, student will be able to create and design instruction that promotes problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity in a cross-curricular learning experience. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

This course emphasizes the significance of parents and families as the basic unit of society according to God's design. Significant issues surrounding the health of the family unit are discussed. Topics included in this course focus on the well-being of individuals and society supported by strong family units. Various parenting styles are examined for understanding family dynamics. Students learn how to minister effectively through the integration of faith practices, prayer, God's word, and Biblical insight that supports a strong home life for young children. Instilling Biblically-based values in the home and the supportive role of early childhood education programs in supporting children and their families are examined, including family education and advocacy. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course explores the uniqueness of infant and toddler curriculum, and demonstrates a practical application of developmentally appropriate infant and toddler teaching techniques and skills. Emphasis is placed on designing, implementing, and evaluating classroom experiences for children ages 0 - 36 months. Observation and evaluation of classroom experiences, environmental design, classroom management, and parent communication are emphasized to promote optimal development for young children. Biblical perspectives are integrated throughout the course. Fieldwork is completed in the student's own classroom, or by approval of the instructor. Students videotape their teaching in order to be evaluated by the instructor and fellow classmates.

Prerequisite: ECED-301

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course focuses on curriculum planning and design for programs that serve young children ages 0-8. Issues and trends in curriculum development are examined, along with the components of a philosophy of teaching and learning based on a school's foundational statements. The students explore the sequenced components of a curriculum guide that support each learning domain, including student-based outcomes, goals, and benchmarks. Monthly and weekly guides, along with lesson planning, are discussed and developed. The process of evaluating the planned instructional program is covered as it relates to improving the curriculum and effectively achieving student learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are integrated into this course as a foundation for curriculum development. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

This course focuses on child and family advocacy, leadership, public policy, research, and advocacy initiatives in the field of early childhood education. Students analyze critical issues in early childhood education from a Biblical-worldview and develop strategies for articulating positions and becoming change agents. Students develop and implement strategies for change. A professional code of ethics that integrates Biblical standards and principles is discussed. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course examines the introduction of Behavioral Analysis into daily life, and how the events in daily life affect autistic students' behavior. Students learn how to apply behavioral principles to their classes, deal with challenging behaviors, and build positive relationship with their students' families and other students. Requirement for Special Education emphasis. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

This course covers how to collect and use educational data to assess diverse learning needs in multiple developmental aspects, educational planning and progress monitoring, instructional models, curricular access, mapping, and development. Various types and uses of assessments to identify needs of exceptional learners are introduced. Requirement for Special Education emphasis. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

This course focuses on language and literacy development for young children in multicultural communities. Language learning development will be studied as an important part of thinking and communicating as God's design for each child. Students will learn the distinct differences between language, competence, and performance as it relates to multicultural communities. Students will examine theories of language development, including theories of second language acquisition and the needs of English language learners. They will also explore strategies for engaging children in integrated listening, speaking, reading, and writing experiences as well as specific strategies for working with multilingual families in meeting the functional needs of the child in the classroom setting. Developmentally effective assessments will be discussed as a means of informing instruction. Additionally, evaluation of God-honoring children's literature will be covered. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

This course is a supervised student teaching experience of working with young children ages 0-8 in a classroom setting. The focus is on the application of developmentally appropriate early childhood education theories, techniques, and skills. Emphasis is put on designing, implementing, and evaluating classroom experiences for young children. Observation and evaluation of classroom experiences, environmental design, classroom management, and parent communication are emphasized to promote optimal development for young children. Biblical perspectives are integrated throughout the course. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course is a supervised student teaching experience working with young children ages 0-8 in a classroom setting. The focus is on the application of developmentally appropriate early childhood education theories, techniques, and skills. The student-teachers explore ways to build relationships with diverse families, connect families with community resources, and use content knowledge of the aesthetic, cognitive, social/emotional, and physical developmental domains to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful curriculum. Biblical perspectives are integrated throughout the course. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Prerequisite: ECED-460

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

This course provides students the opportunity to integrate theories of child development, a Biblical worldview of young children, and principles of effective practice as a culmination of learning at the bachelor's degree level. Students engage in field experience through the implementation of a project that exhibits an integration of faith and learning. The project demonstrates an application of students' knowledge of Biblically-based early childhood education to their practice. An analysis and evaluation of the students' educational experiences across the curriculum is reviewed. Students create a comprehensive portfolio comprised of their work samples and reflections, which demonstrates their competence and achievement of Program Learning Outcomes. The next steps in professional development are discussed and a plan for further growth as a professional in the early education field is developed. (School for Professional Studies Course).

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.