Elementary Supervised Field Experience

Supervised fieldwork in diverse public elementary schools. Practical classroom experiences linking theory and practice, professionalism and comprehensive understanding of elementary school children and various roles of adults. Assessment and curriculum emphasized, as students design, implement and evaluate experiences for development and learning for elementary school children. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

Child, Family, and Community

An examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community, and emphasizing historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

Orientation to ECE Principles and Practice

Theoretical perspectives & historical contexts of developmentally-appropriate practices applied to environments & programs for children from birth through age eight. Examines the role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, & teaching strategies in supporting development across all domains for all children, including those from diverse backgrounds (culture, learning styles, special needs). Evolution of professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, and professional identity.

Infant/Toddler Growth and Development

Physical/sensory-motor, social-emotional, and cognitive/language development of the prenatal period throughout the first three years will be studied with an emphasis on interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Brain development research and major developmental theories are the guiding principles for practice. Caring adults as a foundation for all development will be emphasized.

Child Growth and Development

Examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social/emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on interactions between biological processes and environmental factors. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories.

ITERS and ECERS Rating ScaIe

Examination of standardized environmental rating scales for early care and education programs. Provides knowledge and skills necessary for administering and interpreting the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-third edition (ECERS-3) and the Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale-third edition (ITERS-3) for the development of high quality care.