Early Childhood Education

CCA 100 Early Childhood Career Exploration (.5-10) 1 hr.
Provides an overview of career and employment opportunities in early childhood education. Each student will observe and participate in an early childhood site and attend a seminar to discuss her/his experience. (NOTE: Summer semester only.)
Prerequisite:
Consent of instructor or coordinator.

CCA 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3-0) 3 hrs.
Provides an overview of early childhood care and education, including the basic values, structure, organization and programming. Examination of the student’s personal qualities in relationship to expectations of the field. Directed observation in a variety of programs and settings. 10 hours of observation required. (NOTE: The program’s health requirements must be completed prior to observation.)
IAI ECE 911

CCA 102 Child Development I (3-0) 3 hrs.
Provides basic theories and principles of development, prenatal through early adolescence with emphasis on the young child. In-depth study of physical, social/emotional, cognitive, language and aesthetic development. Examines theories of Erikson, Piaget, Skinner, Vygotsky and others. Explores child development in the context of gender, family, culture and society. Emphasis on the implication for early childhood professional practice. IAI ECE 912 IAI EED 902

CCA 103 Child Development II (3-0) 3 hrs.
Presents research, theory and practical application related to development from adolescence through maturity. Discusses social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth within age-related stages. Stresses relevance of developmental theory in working with children and adults in an early childhood program.
Prerequisite:
CCA 102 with a grade of "C" or better or consent of instructor.

CCA 111 First Three Years of Life (3-0) 3 hrs.
Examines the theories and research related to infants and toddlers with a focus on methods of care given in home-based and school-based infant programs. Observation of infants/toddlers and infant/toddler programs.

CCA 112 Play and Assessment of the Young Child (3-0) 3 hrs.
Develops observational skills to assess and record a child's level of development during play. Identification of types, goals and appropriate materials for play, strategies for communicating and working with parents and team members.
Prerequisite:
CCA 102 and CCA 111 with grades of "C" or better.

CCA 115 Principles of Early Childhood Curriculum (3-0) 3 hrs.
Provides an overview of principles involved in planning, implementing and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum. Includes lesson plans, emerging curriculum, scheduling, room arrangement, materials and equipment; individual, small and large group activities; short and long term goals; and teacher's roles and responsibilities in curriculum development.

CCA 120 Introduction to Special Education for Paraprofessionals (3-0) 3 hrs.
Examines characteristics of children with special needs and the methods used in special education. The role of the special education teacher's aide will be studied with a focus on implementing educational plans, family issues, legal rights and responsibilities.

CCA 121 Behavioral Management in Special Education Setting (3-0) 3 hrs.
Studies the role of behavioral management within the special education population and provides understanding of rationale, terminology and methods used when working with special needs children and their families.

CCA 140 Family Child Care Management (1-0) 1 hr.
Provides guidelines and responsibilities in providing home day care for infants and young children.

CCA 143 Safety for the Young Child (1-0) 1 hr.
Focuses on safety for the young child in group settings.

CCA 144 Nutrition for the Young Child (1-0) 1 hr.
Focuses on nutrition for the young child in group settings.

CCA 146 Programming for School Age Care (1-0) 1 hr.
Relates theory and practice of school age programming. Emphasizes daily program planning, implication and assessment.

CCA 149 Topics in Early Childhood Education (1-0 to 3-0) 1-3 hrs.
Studies selected problems or topics in early childhood. The exact content and instructional methodology will vary semester to semester depending on the material to be studied. This course may be repeated up to a maximum of three credit hours.

CCA 151 Communicating with Parents and Children (1-0) 1 hr.
Establishes parent relationships through effective listening, speaking, writing. Develops communication skills in relation to children and co-workers.

CCA 152 Principles of Child Growth and Development, Birth-5 (1-0) 1 hr.
Discusses principles of child growth and development from birth through age five. Emphasis on developmental milestones and cultural influences.

CCA 153 Guiding Children and Managing the Classroom (1-0) 1 hr.
Provides methods of guiding children's behavior, encouraging prosocial behavior and dealing with common problems. Emphasis on principles and skills in classroom management.

CCA 154 Activities and Resources for Young Children I (1-0) 1 hr.
Aids in planning the learning environment, which includes the schedule, themes and activities incorporating art, motor, music and movement, health and safety, and nutrition.

CCA 155 Activities and Resources for Young Children II (1-0) 1 hr.
Aids in planning the learning environment to incorporate appropriate themes and activities in math, science, social studies, language, literature, dramatic play and group time.

CCA 156 Effective Teaching (1-0) 1 hr.
Provides methods for maintaining and increasing effective teaching behaviors. Also includes relations with parents and co-workers, teacher behaviors, burnout and professional growth.

CCA 209 Language Development and Activities for the Young Child (3-0) 3 hrs.
Provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of language development, the stages involved, the role that adults play and the relationship of language to other aspects of development. Introduces the student to a wide variety of language activities appropriate for young children and develops skills in preparing, presenting and evaluating language activities.

CCA 210 Creative Activities for Young Children (2-2) 3 hrs.
Examines the theoretical framework for art, creativity, music and movement. Acquaints the student with a variety of creative art materials and methods appropriate for use in programs for young children. Includes firsthand experience with materials and planning an arts program. Stresses the relationship of creative experiences within the curriculum and the role of creative experiences within the early childhood program.

CCA 219 Psychology of Exceptional Children (3-0) 3 hrs.
Presents an overview of children with exceptional cognitive, physical, social and emotional characteristics. Analysis of development and educational needs imposed by exceptionality. Identification, intervention strategies, methods, and programs designed to meet their needs, including, but not limited to, children identified as learning disabled. Study of applicable federal and state laws and requirements: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Individualized Family Service Plan, Individualized Education Plan and inclusive programs. Fulfills requirements of School Code, Article 21-2a. IAI ECE 913

CCA 221 Math and Science for the Young Child (3-0) 3 hrs.
Introduces the theory and practice related to math and science for young children. Emphasis will be placed on the development and evaluation of developmentally appropriate activities and instructional materials.

CCA 223 Exceptional Child in Early Childhood Programs (3-0) 3 hrs.
Examines the characteristics of the young child with special needs and provides programming considerations for integrating the child with special needs into early childhood programs. Practical issues include adapting classroom environments, equipment and providing developmentally appropriate educational experiences. Presents guidelines for working with educators, young children, families and community resources. Identifies the legal and program compliance requirements for early childhood programs.

CCA 226 Observation and Guidance of the Young Child (3-0) 3 hrs.
Studies of guidance practices which support the development of the young child. Emphasizes theories and practices that support the caregiver's analysis of child behavior as well as the development of guidance skills. Students will develop and understand the relationship between careful observation, communication and effective interaction with children.
Prerequisite:
CCA 101, CCA 102 and CCA 115 with grades of "C" or better.

CCA 230 Movement and Rhythms for the Young Child (3-0) 3 hrs.
Presents research, theory and practical application as it relates to teaching music and movement; illustrates appropriate methods, materials and equipment for use in classroom programming.

CCA 235 Principles of School Age Care (3-0) 3 hrs.
Relates theory and practice of school age programming. Emphasizes program planning, implementation and assessment, use of materials, principles of growth and development, role of teacher and techniques of classroom management. Students will observe and participate in school age child care.

CCA 250 Health, Nutrition and Safety (3-0) 3 hrs.
Focuses on personal health of the individual, including nutrition and health and safety issues, with emphasis on meeting health needs for children in group settings. A healthy lifestyle, preventive health and community health are examined. IAI ECE 902

CCA 252 Child-Family-Community (3-0) 3 hrs.
Concentrates on teacher’s role in working with children within the context of family and community. Stresses effective communication, diversity, professionalism and social policy. Includes an in-depth study of community resources.

CCA 253 Administration of Early Childhood Programs (3-0) 3 hrs.
Provides guidelines for the establishment and operation of a child development center. Emphasizes the director's role in programming, school policies, budgeting, record keeping, licensing, municipal codes, insurance, staff development, evaluation procedures, parent communication and community resources.
Prerequisite:
Completion of 15 credit hours including CCA 101, CCA 102 and CCA 115 with grades of "C" or better or consent of coordinator.

CCA 254 Interpersonal Relationships in Early Childhood Education (1-0) 1 hr.
Explores personal experiences within the work environment, impact of sex-roles, organizational policies and professional standards. Emphasizes team building and the development of effective interpersonal communication skills.
Prerequisite:
Completion of 18 hours in CCA prefix courses with grades of "C" or better or consent of coordinator.

CCA 291 Early Childhood Practicum I (1-10) 3 hrs.
Emphasizes the practical application of principles and theories in early childhood education within a supervised setting, while working with young children. The student will be supervised by a qualified professional and meet weekly for a seminar. (NOTE: The program’s health requirements and CPR Basic Rescuer certification must be completed prior to placement in practicum.) IAI ECE 914
Prerequisite:
ENG 101, CCA 101, CCA 102, CCA 115, CCA 226 and six additional credit hours in CCA prefix courses with grades of “C” or better, or consent of instructor.

CCA 292 Early Childhood Practicum II (1-10) 3 hrs.
Emphasizes the practical application of early childhood education principles and theories in a supervised setting, while working with young children. The student will be supervised by a qualified professional and meet weekly for a seminar. (NOTE: The program’s health requirements and CPR Basic Rescuer certification must be completed prior to placement in practicum.)
Prerequisite:
CCA 291 with a grade of “C” or better, or consent of instructor.