Early Childhood Education Course Descriptions
ECE 102 Creative Expression - Art, Music and Movement for Children (3 credits)
Students explore the connection between children’s intellectual growth and creative development via art, music and movement. Using artistic materials, students take an in depth look at the methods and techniques used in developing creativity in the young child.
ECE 106 Practical Mathematics and Science for Young Children (3 credits)
Students learn to apply simple math concepts and the scientific method to develop Children's natural curiosity of the world around them.
3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: MA 005; corequisite: PS 102
ECE 107 Nurturing the Mental Health of Infants and Toddlers (3 credits)
This course explores the essential elements involved in setting the foundation for the mental health and development of infants and toddlers. It examines the importance of identifying and meeting social/emotional needs and how these needs relate to the caregiver’s interactive process. Focus is on brain development, social/emotional development, and developmentally appropriate practices and techniques in the child care setting. This course is the first step towards training for the NJ Infant Toddler Credential.*
ECE 108 Group Care of Infants and Toddlers (3 credits)
Covers the development of quality daycare for infants and toddlers, the development levels of infancy, and how to design experiences that stimulate their cognitive, social and creative ability, and meet their physical and emotional needs.
3 hours lecture
Prerequisites: EN 101, PS 101
CE 110 Child Development Associate (CDA) Workshop I (4 credits)
Introduces students to the Child Development Associate credential process and provides instruction in early childhood education and development. Students acquire a working knowledge of child growth and development principles. Develops skills and strategies for managing an effective program and for planning a safe, healthful learning environment.
4 hours lecture
Prerequisite: Placement in ECE site
(Can be applied to the A.A.S, Degree in Early Childhood Education and is equivalent to ECE 200)
ECE 111 Child Development Associate (CDA) Workshop II (4 credits)
Expands the student's knowledge of the Child Development Associate's role. Builds on the knowledge acquired during CDA Workshop I, and focuses on the practical skills needed to become a Child Development Associate.
4 hours lecture
Prerequisite: ECE 110; corequisite: ECE 210
(Can be applied to the A.A.S, Degree in Early Childhood Education; equivalent to ECE 201)
ECE 200 Early Childhood Education in Contemporary America (3 credits)
Overview of the history, theories, principles and developmentally appropriate practices relevant to early childhood education in infant, toddler, and preschool through primary settings with site visits to infant care centers, nursery school pre-K, Head Start and kindergartens, where students observe real-life practices, then discuss and evaluate them. Emphasizes material selection and curriculum development, as well as issues such as bilingual and multi-cultural education in the context of social policy and legislation.
3 hours lecture
Prerequisites: EN 101
ECE 201 Observation and Recording of Children’s Behavior (3 credits)
Helps students observe children's interactions with adults, peers, the environment, and materials. Students are instructed in how to record these aspects of children’s lives with clarity, precision, and objectivity. Site visits to infant care centers, nursery schools, daycare centers, special education classes, and public school pre-K's, kindergartens, and Head Start programs. Students practice various observational techniques and methods for recording child behavior. Examines strategies for guiding children’s behaviors by engaging them in activities, assisting them in problem-solving, and providing them with techniques for self-discipline.
3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: PS 102
ECE 202 Supervised Fieldwork I (4 credits)
ECE 203 Supervised Fieldwork II (4 credits)
Requires eight hours a week of field experience in early childhood settings to help teachers become more competent in nurturing their creativity in the classroom. Helps sharpen students’ awareness of a group teacher's role and covers the philosophy and practices of the child-care community. Gradually, under the supervision of early care and education professionals, students assume greater responsibility for planning and introducing learning activities within small groups. Provides first-hand classroom experience so students may learn how to integrate knowledge, skills, and techniques with teaching practice.
1 hour a week seminar
Prerequisite: ECE 200 (for Supervised Fieldwork I and II);
Corequisite: ECE 201 (for Supervised Fieldwork II only)
ECE 210 Child Development Associate (CDA) Externship (3 credits)
Allows students to develop and demonstrate professional standards and practical skills in early childhood settings, Students gain first-hand experience learning the process of integrating knowledge, skills, and techniques with teaching practice via employment or volunteer service at public, private, or parochial pre-schools and child care centers.
Prerequisite: ECE 110 1 hour a week seminar; Corequisite: ECE 111
(Can be applied to the A.A.S, Degree in Early Childhood Education and is equivalent to ECE 202)
ECE 220 Emerging Literacy (3 credits)
Examines children’s language acquisition and literacy, and how teachers can strengthen Children's natural explorations of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Presents a whole language approach for emerging literacy, as the natural conceptual framework for instruction. Encourages students to develop sensitivity toward the child who speaks dialects or languages other than Standard English. Covers child development theory and helps students construct and demonstrate activities that can be used to strengthen children’s emerging communication skills.
3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: ECE 200