Early Childhood
ECH100 Fundamentals of Early Childhood (3)
This course will provide basic information about what professionals need to know and be able to do to provide quality care and education for young children. The course will cover decisions and practices in all settings and programs. Emphasis will also be placed on the knowledge and skills needed to work with young children and their families. The course will include preparation for National Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing.
ECH101 Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect (1)
This course focuses on the categories of child abuse and neglect as well as the signs and symptoms of the various types of abuse and neglect. The course will cover appropriate responses to suspected abuse or neglect and what to do in the event of child disclosure. Kansas mandated reporter laws are also discussed. This course is instructor-led and interactive through discussions and assignments in course discussion boards.
ECH102 Understanding Multiple Intelligences and Children's Learning Styles (1)
This course will focus on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and how different learning styles are affected by the environment, physiology, processing, emotions, and social choices. Practical information will be given on how to create educational environments by applying activities that use different learning styles. Students will also examine their own personal teaching style as applied to teaching multiple intelligences to a variety of students. This course is instructor-led and interactive through discussions and assignments in course discussion boards.
ECH103 Infant Toddler Creative Curriculum (3)
Students will discover what professionals need to know and be able to provide quality care for infants and toddlers. Using the research-based Creative Curriculum model, student will learn what a quality program looks like and how to achieve it. The course will explore the integrated roles of the caregiver/teacher, the children, the families, and the community, using a strength-based model that defines developmentally appropriate practices for infants and toddlers and the role of the curriculum.
ECH104 Pre-School Creative Curriculum (3)
Students will discover what professional need to know and be able to provide quality care for preschool children. Using the research-based Creative Curriculum model, student will learn what a quality program looks like and how to achieve it. The course will explore the integrated roles of the caregiver/teacher, the children, the families, and the community, using a strength-based model that defines developmentally appropriate practices for preschoolers and the role of the curriculum.
ECH105 Early Childhood Cultural Competency (1)
Participants in this course will understand general concepts regarding cultural competency when working with children and families. Participants will be able to list at least three specific cultural norms, values, codes of conduct, traditions and child rearing practices of ethnic, cultural and other groups served by programs. Participants will also be able to reflect on cultural norms and codes of conduct in assesing an individual's or family's behavior as well as distinguish how discrimination, racism, sexism, ageism, homphobia and other forms of discrimination and oppresion can impact individual and family development and functioning. Participants will define cultural child-rearing practices through researching different methods and discussing their findings. This course is instructor-led and interactive through discussions and assignments.
ECH106 Understanding Children's Temperament (1)
This course provides an overview of the nine temperament traits and the variety of influences on temperament styles. The course will discuss challenging temperaments, including flexible, fearful, and feisty styles. Students will assess a child’s temperament as well as their own. This course is instructor-led and interactive through discussions and assignments in course discussion boards.
ECH110 Functions of Child Development I (3)
Prerequisite: ECH100
This course will present the skills and knowledge for creating safe, healthy learning environments for infants, toddlers, and pre-school age children. The course will cover the growth and development of physical and intellectual competence for those age groups. Social emotional development will also be explored. The course will include preparation for National Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing.
ECH115 Functions of Child Development II (3)
Prerequisite: ECH110
This course will focus on how to establish positive relationships with families, manage well-run programs, and maintain a commitment to professionalism. The course will include preparation for National Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing, including a classroom observation and completion of the Direct Assessment Application.
ECH120 Family Child Care Adminsitration (2)
This course covers the business aspects of operating a family child care business. Students in this course will be introduced to the toal range of adminstrative demands in opening and operating a family child care program. Contracts, developing program policies, legal issues, developing a fee structure and collecting fees for services rendered, budging and cash flow, keeping records and tax issues are some of the topics that will be covered. The course will emphasize developing sound fiscal and management skills in order to operate a successful business.
ECH150 Creative Experiences (3)
This course is a core requirement for the Early Childhood Program. This course is designed for early childhood classroom practitioners. Students will learn to create interesting and secure environments that encourage play, exploration and learning. Students will develop a comprehensive file of curriculum ideas and activities that promote creative expression.
ECH160 Observing and Interacting with Young Children (3)
Prerequisite: 9 credit hours of Early Childhood coursework
This course is designed for practitioners who work with children and families. Students will develop skills for quality observation and documentation associated with young children. Ethical considerations and confidentiality are discussed. Students will conduct an in-depth child study. Students must identify a child, set up and conduct observations. Students will also conduct structured observations targeting specific developmental areas. Students will create a professional report illustrating the developmental level of the child. The child portfolio will include completed checklists, work samples, pictures, and interviews.
ECH175 Emerging Literacy (3)
Prerequisite: ECH100 - Fundamentals of Early Childhood, ECH110 - Functions of Child Development I, ECH115 - Functions of Child Development II
This course will prepare current or future early childhood teachers to enhance the early literacy outcomes of young children by improving their knowledge of early literacy development. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of language development and acquistion. Students will acquire skills and knowledge in facilitating early literacy to young children, and how to involve parents and families in the process.
ECH200 Program Planning and Development (3)
Prerequisite: ECH100 - Fundamentals of Early Childhood, ECH110 - Functions of Child Development I, ECH115 - Functions of Child Development II
Students in this course will be introduced to the total range of administrative and curriculum demands in different types of early childhood education centers. Funding, budgeting skills, evaluating, hiring, planning, collecting fees and writing reports are some of the topics that will be covered. The course will emphasize developing sound fiscal and program management skills with a focus on interpersonal relationships.
ECH210 Family Involvement in Education (3)
Prerequisite: ECH100 - Fundamentals of Early Childhood, ECH110 - Functions of Child Development I, ECH115 - Functions of Child Development II
In this course, students will study family involvement in education from an interdisciplinary prespective. History, current research and diversity in families will be covered. The course will provide information, activities and programs to enrich family-school partnerships and collaborations.
ECH220 Principles of Inclusion (3)
Prerequisite: ECH100 - Fundamentals of Early Childhood, ECH160 - Observing/Interacting w/ Young Children, TST005 - Instructor Permission
This course explores the barriers to and influences on inclusive education settings for young children. Topics include instructional strategies, individualized instruction, and family perceptions of inclusion, collaborative relationships among adults, classroom ecology, social policy, and cultural and linguistic diversity.
ECH230 Professional Development and Leadership (3)
Prerequisite: ECH100 - Fundamentals of Early Childhood, ECH110 - Functions of Child Development I, ECH115 - Functions of Child Development II, ECH150 - Creative Experiences
This course is for the committed Early Childhood Professional. Early Childhood Professional Ethics and Standards will be infused throughout the course. Students will reflect on their personal and professional growth and leadership skills. The leader's role, effective supervision, personal and professional growth and leadership skills. The course will provide individuals working in the Early Childhood field the basic foundation needed for developing mentoring relationships.
ECH250 Early Childhood Practicum (3)
Prerequisite: TST005 - Instructor Permission
This course is designed for students who are assuming teaching responsibility under guided supervision.Students must meet all State and National requirements for working in an Early Childhood facility. This is an opportunity for students to put theory into practice. Students will spend 15 hours in classroom activities and 90 hours teaching in the early childhood classroom. Topics covered are working with parents, principles of classroom management, observation and assessment, values identification, trends and issues in Early Childhood, personal reflections and education philosophy.
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