Early Childhood Education

This course will explore the role of the early childhood teacher and his/her responsibilities: forming a professional attitude, relating effectively with others, and managing successfully within the pre-school environment in daily learning and social situations. It will include observations of children in a child care setting. (12 hours observation/field work per semester)

This course will focus on children with special needs in early childhood settings. Based on a developmental perspective, course content includes the various areas of exceptionality in terms of causes, characteristics and general intervention, strategies for adapting the learning environment, modifying instruction and making curriculum accessible to all children through inclusion of those with special needs. Attention will be given to State and Federal Legislation, the referral process, community resources, and effective ways to work with families. (6 hours observation/field work)

This course emphasizes the development needs of infants and toddlers. Special focus includes planning curriculum for the very young, working with parents, special development needs of infants and toddlers, and planning their environment. (6 hours observation/field work)

This course explores the curriculum planning for inclusive preschool settings, children ages 2.9–5 years. Participants develop a framework for planning, implementation, organization, and evaluation of activities in content areas such as art, math, science, music, language arts, and free play. The course emphasizes high-quality, developmentally appropriate practice, aligned with state and national standards and guidelines. (10 hours observation/field work)

This course gives students the opportunity to complete supervised field hours in a licensed and approved early childhood education setting. The course emphasizes high-quality developmentally appropriate practice, aligned with state and national standards and guidelines, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Development Standards. Students must submit a CORI application prior to beginning the lab hours. (20 hours observation/field work, 5 class hours)

Explore strategies, activities, and materials for teaching math and science to children in inclusive preschool and kindergarten settings. The course focuses on state and national standards and guidelines, as well as the constructivist project approach to teaching science and math. (6 hours observation/field work)

This course explores classroom management strategies for inclusive toddler, preschool, and after-school settings; including creating a pro-social environment, resilience and risk factors, and using a positive, respectful approach to guiding children based on knowledge of child development. (6 hours observation/field work)

This course provides the student with the opportunity to work directly with infants, toddlers, or preschool children in an inclusive early childhood education program. Coursework includes 150 hours (12 hours/week minimum) working in a Massachusetts licensed or NAEYC accredited child care facility, as well as a weekly seminar class. The practicum meets state requirements for 9 months child care experience. (150 field work hours; 14 class hours)

This course is designed to guide Early Childhood professionals in establishing or reinforcing existing programs for young children, to give a working knowledge of the concepts, ideas and methods necessary to administer these programs, including Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care regulations, budgets, and other financial issues, legal issues, family communication, and staff issues (hiring, firing, supervision, turnover, training). Meets EEC requirements for Director I.

This course explores administrative issues relating to leadership in Early Childhood Education: management styles, staff development and supervision including teacher training, staff collegiality, retention and evaluation, as well as collaboration with parents and community. This course meets Director II specifications EEC certification.