The course provides an in-depth study of normal growth and development from conception through early childhood with an emphasis on the needs and characteristics of each developmental level. Prominent theories of child psychology will also be introduced such as Piaget, Erikson, Maslow and behaviorism. Observation of children will be required as part of the course requirements. Students will be required to complete 15 hours of observation in a child care setting. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription.
Foundations of Early Childhood Education serves as an introductory course which is heavily focused on Developmentally Appropriate Practice as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This course takes an in-depth look at the 5 guidelines of Developmentally Appropriate Practice with a strong emphasis on play as the foundation of learning. The field of Early Childhood Education is studied and includes the history, current trends, and the future of the education field. Through two required classroom observations and the study of program models and theories, students will develop their own professional philosophy of early childhood education. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription.
PThis course focuses on the principles, methods, and materials for teaching emergent literacy and the creative arts through process-oriented experiences. Understanding of the developmental milestones for creative expression, language, and emergent literacy is emphasized. Developmentally appropriate creative activities will be planned and presented for all activity areas, including art, movement, music, dramatic play, language, and literacy. Emphasis is placed on appropriate use of resources, the interaction of the arts and children’s literature, creating supportive environments for diverse children; and family/school relationships. Students will need access to young children to complete required assignments. Students are required to purchase a subscription to Taskstream electronic portfolio. Prerequisites: ECE 100M & ECE 104M.
Focuses on the manner in which a “prepared environment” leads to play while stimulating the development and educational growth of children from birth to 36 months. Students observe the effects of space, equipment, materials and relationships upon play, learning and discovery and plan developmentally appropriate learning activities. Incorporating and documenting routine care as an integral part of the curriculum will be emphasized. Students will attend a weekly three-hour infant/toddler practicum internship placement at an approved site. Students must complete a health form and criminal records check as required by the NH Childcare Licensing Bureau before beginning this practicum. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Offered fall semester.
Emphasizes the environment as the Early Childhood curriculum. The manner in which a “prepared environment” leads to play while stimulating the development and educational growth of children is the focus of the course. Students observe the effects of space, equipment, materials and relationships upon play, learning and discovery. Students will plan developmentally appropriate activities. Students will attend a weekly three-hour preschool practicum internship placement at an approved site. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription Offered spring semester (and summer with permission for those working in the field only).
This course will provide the student with a variety of health, safety and nutrition concepts. These concepts will enable the individual to implement preventive health and safety practices based on NH Childcare Licensing Regulations and Federal Law. Students will be required to complete 10 online health and safety training modules through the New Hampshire Health and Safety Training Program, which is mandated by the Child Care Licensing Bureau, in order to be eligible to work in an early childhood education program. In addition, students will be able to develop menus for meals and snacks which are nutritious, appealing and age appropriate for the young child. Recognition and treatment of child abuse victims will be addressed. It should be noted that CPR and First Aid information is covered in this course; however, certification is NOT part of the course. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription.
This course will focus on the STEAM concepts of creative thinking & problem solving, rather than a collection of facts to be memorized, as a basis for learning in math and science. The theoretical and developmental knowledge necessary to effectively teach the basic concepts of math and science to young children will be reviewed. Students will develop their skills in preparing developmentally appropriate activities that promote curiosity, creativity, problem solving and exploration. The interrelationships between math, science and other areas of the curriculum (particularly literacy and the arts) will be explored. Students will need access to young children to complete required assignments. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisites: ECE100M & ECE104M.
Focuses on the unique characteristics and needs of young children with communication disorders, sensory impairments, physical and health-related disabilities, child abuse and giftedness, as well as those living with stress. Room arrangement plans, accommodations and modifications based on learning characteristics will be explored. Screening, assessment, early intervention, individualized education plans, inclusive education, community resources and family issues will be presented and discussed. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisites: ECE100M, ECE104M, or permission of the instructor.
The Student Teaching Practicum requires that students spend a minimum of 117 hours in a college – approved early childhood facility under guided supervision of the classroom teacher. Students will bridge the gap between theory and practice by applying theoretical knowledge and developmentally appropriate methodology in their work with young children. Students will assume increasing responsibility for teaching and classroom management throughout the semester, culminating in a week-long experience in which the student takes the role of the lead teacher in planning and implementing the curriculum and will be formally observed by the college instructor at least 3 times. Weekly seminars are scheduled to discuss issues of appropriate practice, discipline, lesson plans, observations and other concerns. Students are required to experience two different age groups (e.g. infant/toddler, preschool/kindergarten, or primary aged children) in the two senior level practicum courses (ECE202M and ECE212M). Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription is required. Prerequisites: ECE100M, ECE104M and a grade of “C” or better in ECE111M or ECE112M.
Covers the normal growth and development of the child from birth through toddlerhood with an emphasis on the interrelationship of emotional, social, cognitive, physical and language development patterns of infants and toddlers. The student will learn to plan a developmentally appropriate curriculum based upon standards of NAEYC and NH Bureau of Child Care Licensing. The sequential and effective use of play materials are presented as essential to an infant and toddler curriculum. Community Service is part of the course where students will be required to volunteer and observe eight hours in an infant and/or toddler program. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisite: ECE100M, ECE104M, or permission of the instructor.
Covers the young child in relation to the family, school/center and community. Students explore the societal changes affecting the contemporary American family and subsequent impact upon children. The role of the community and its impact on the family functioning and child development is discussed. Interpersonal and family dynamics and its impact on family functioning and relationships are analyzed. Focuses on the importance of the parent-teacher relationship and communication between teachers and parents. A community service project is required. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisites: ECE100M, ECE104M.
Typically taken during the student’s last semester, this course will provide students with an opportunity to synthesize the knowledge gained in their previous coursework and practica, bridging the gap between theory and practice in Early Childhood Education. Students will complete a minimum of 117 hours of teaching in a college-approved early childhood setting, working with a different age group than in ECE202M. Weekly seminars are scheduled to discuss a variety of issues related to the early childhood profession, including but not limited to the code of ethics, professional organizations and current events. Students will create and present a professional portfolio which includes a research-based philosophy paper as their culminating project. This portfolio project will require students to demonstrate proficiency in research, critical thinking and communication as well as an awareness of global perspectives. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisites: Completion of a minimum of 48 college credits with at least 31 credits in ECE, including ECE105M, ECE110M, ECE116M, ECE200M, ECE201M, ECE214M and a grade of “C” or better in ECE202M and ENGL110M.
The emphasis of this course is on the role of positive child guidance in preparing young children to become competent, confident and cooperative individuals. The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations of Early Learning (CSEFEL) pyramid model will serve as the conceptual framework for evidence-based practices and intervention approaches. The course will focus on three main overarching themes: promotion of all children’s social and emotional development, prevention strategies for at risk children, and individual & intensive interventions for children with persistent challenges. Access to an Early Childhood program is required in order to complete an ongoing and indepth case study. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisites: ECE 100M & ECE 104M.
This course is designed to provide students with information on administering an early childhood education program. Students explore diverse programs available to the community and examine state and federal licensing regulations, as well as national accreditation standards. Students critically analyze the degree to which financial issues of marketing, accounting, and funding affect the management of the center or family childcare home. In addition, students identify components of a healthy organization that manages people and resources in a positive, supportive manner. This course is required by NH State licensing rules for center directors. Students are required to purchase a Taskstream electronic portfolio subscription. Prerequisite: ECE 100M and ECE 104M or Permission of the instructor is required to enroll in this course. Offered online only.
